Sector · Agriculture
Solar that runs the grain dryer.
Barn-roof solar, ground-mount arrays, and battery storage for working farms across the Home Counties. We size around the grain-drying season, the milking parlour, the diesel-pump bills you’re fed up of paying.
Why Farms Are Ideal for Solar
Agricultural operations have unique characteristics that make renewable energy particularly valuable.
Large Barn Roofs
Agricultural buildings often have substantial south-facing roof areas perfect for solar. Barns, grain stores, and livestock buildings all offer installation opportunities.
Ground-Mounted Potential
Lower-grade agricultural land can host ground-mounted solar arrays. Turn marginal land into a reliable income stream while continuing agricultural use around and beneath panels.
High Energy Needs
Irrigation, grain drying, refrigeration, milking equipment, and processing create substantial electricity demand. Solar can offset 50-70% of farm energy costs.
Permitted Development
Many agricultural solar installations qualify for permitted development rights, simplifying the planning process. We assess eligibility and handle any applications required.
Diversification Income
Solar provides stable, weather-independent income to complement agricultural operations. Export excess to the grid via SEG or supply local businesses.
Seasonal Matching
Many agricultural loads peak in summer (irrigation, refrigeration) when solar generates most. Battery storage helps match generation to seasonal demands like grain drying in autumn.
Agricultural Solar Options
Barn & Building Rooftop Solar
Install solar on agricultural building roofs. Large south-facing barn roofs can accommodate 50-200kWp systems. We assess structural capacity and roof condition for safe installation.
- Often permitted development
- No land take from farming
- Systems from 20kWp to 200kWp+
- Immediate energy cost reduction
Ground-Mounted Solar Arrays
Install solar on lower-grade or marginal land. Ground-mounted systems offer flexibility in size and orientation, and sheep can graze beneath panels for dual land use.
- Diversification income
- Dual land use possible (grazing)
- Flexible system sizing
- Planning required (we handle applications)
Battery Storage
Store solar generation for use during peak farming activities. Power grain dryers, irrigation pumps, and refrigeration systems from stored energy when solar generation alone isn't sufficient.
- Match generation to demand
- Power seasonal equipment
- Backup for critical systems
- Store cheap overnight electricity
EV & Electric Machinery Charging
Charge electric farm vehicles, UTVs, and equipment from solar-generated electricity. Prepare for the transition to electric agricultural machinery.
- Charge farm vehicles
- Power electric equipment
- Staff vehicle charging
- Future-proof for electric tractors
Agricultural Considerations
Permitted Development Rights
Agricultural buildings often have permitted development rights for solar that allow installation without full planning permission. Ground-mounted systems typically require planning. We assess each site and handle all applications.
Grid Connection
Rural areas may have limited grid capacity. We assess available capacity, manage DNO applications, and design systems that work within grid constraints. Battery storage can help maximise value when export is limited.
Seasonal Load Profiles
Agricultural energy use varies seasonally: irrigation in summer, grain drying in autumn, heating in winter. We design systems to match your specific operational profile and recommend battery storage where appropriate.
Building Condition
Older agricultural buildings may need structural assessment. We work with structural engineers to ensure safe installation and can coordinate with roof replacement if your building is due for re-cladding.
Farm Solar Success Story
150kWp Ground-Mounted Installation
An arable farm in Bedfordshire installed a 150kWp ground-mounted solar array on 2 acres of marginal land. The system provides significant diversification income and powers farm operations including grain drying.
Our Accreditations
Ready to Diversify with Solar?
Get a free farm assessment and discover how renewable energy can reduce costs and create new income streams.
Request Free Farm Assessment Call 07944 275171