facebook icon
Request a Callback

The Benefits of Solar Panels on Farms

Ground-mounted solar panels covering a wide area for commercial energy generation.

Published on:
29 January 2025

The UK’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a green revolution. As farmers grapple with rising energy costs and the need for sustainable practices, solar panels are emerging as a powerful solution. More than just a source of clean energy, solar installations offer a multitude of benefits for UK farms, boosting both the environment and profitability of farms.

Read on to learn about the many benefits of installing solar panels on a farm.

1. Slashing Energy Bills and Increasing Profitability:

One of the most attractive benefits of solar panels is their ability to significantly reduce energy costs. Since 2019, farm input costs have increased by an average of 44% and so finding new ways to lower energy bills will become more and more important. Farms are energy-intensive operations, relying on electricity to power everything from lighting and heating in livestock buildings to running irrigation systems and machinery. At East Yorkshire Solar, we can help with reducing your farm’s energy bills by installing solar panels on farm barns, pig sheds, glass houses and outbuildings.

2. Promoting Sustainability:

UK farmers are increasingly aware of their role in decarbonising. Solar energy does not emit Greenhouse Gases or other air pollutants and so they provide a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels, which significantly reduces a farm’s carbon footprint. This not only contributes to national climate goals but also enhances a farm’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Furthermore, installing solar panels can help to complement existing land use, with sheep grazing often possible around and beneath panels. Our tailored farming solar panels are designed to meet the unique needs of farming and agricultural businesses.

3. New Income Streams:

Solar panels can also open new revenue streams for farmers. For example, electricity generated can be sold back to the grid through government schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Under this scheme, you will be paid for every unit of electricity that you feed back. This creates an additional income source, further enhancing the financial viability of your farm, however you will need to meet certain SEG eligibility requirements and get a tariff. It’s always worth checking out various schemes to see how much money you can save, especially as some schemes may include grants, tax breaks and simplified planning permissions for solar installations.

4. Energy Independence and Security:

Relying on the national grid can leave farms vulnerable to power outages and price fluctuations that can occur at any point. Commercial solar panels provide a degree of energy independence, ensuring a reliable power supply even during grid disruption, and this is particularly crucial for operations such as dairy farming, where a consistent power supply is essential for milking and refrigeration.

5. Enhancing Property Value:

Investing in solar panels can increase the value of your farm as well. The presence of a renewable energy system makes the property more attractive to potential buyers, especially those who prioritise sustainability and lower operating costs. This can be a significant advantage in the long term, providing a return on investment beyond energy savings. In fact, agrovoltaic energy can boost land efficiency by up to 186% and increase the economic value of a farm by 30%. Agrovoltaics is essentially the dual use of solar panels and crops, and it is growing in popularity every year.

6. Technological Advancements:

Solar technology is constantly evolving, with panels becoming more efficient and affordable. Modern systems are designed for durability and longevity, requiring minimal maintenance. At East Yorkshire Solar, we have our Customer Online Monitoring system, which allows you to monitor your solar energy usage and system performance. We also offer an optional remote monitoring service that can detect any system issues and alert you about any performance improvement opportunities.

Considerations for Farmers Before Installation Solar Panels

While the benefits of solar panels are numerous, there are some key considerations for farmers to factor in before deciding whether solar panel installation is right for their farm.

 * Site Assessment: A thorough assessment of your farm’s location, energy needs and solar irradiance – the output of light energy that is received from the sun – is crucial to determine the optimal system size and configuration.

 * Planning Permission: While permitted development rights may apply in some cases, it’s important to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance.

 * Grid Connection: Connecting to the grid requires approval from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO), and there may be costs involved in upgrading infrastructure.

 * Financial Planning: Consider the upfront costs of installation, potential financing options and long-term return on investment before going ahead with any decision. By carefully factoring in all of the above elements, you’ll be able to decide with confidence solar panel installation is for you.

Conclusion

Solar panels offer a compelling proposition for UK farmers seeking to reduce costs, enhance sustainability and future-proof their operations. By harnessing the power of the sun, farmers can cultivate a brighter future for their businesses and the environment, and with careful planning and the right support, solar energy can be a game-changer for the UK’s agricultural sector foy years to come.

When you choose East Yorkshire Solar, you can be assured that as a local company, we understand the unique challenges associated with farming across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and with our Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS) accreditation, we can guarantee our solar panels are installed with the most rigorous quality standards and with long-term performance in mind.

Further Support

We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact our team of solar panel experts today for further guidance and advice. 

Email: info@eastyorkshiresolar.co.uk 
Telephone: 01482 230 422