Solar for Farms & Agriculture

Farms and agricultural centres are ideal for solar panel installations for many reasons, including:

Large, open spaces: Farms typically have large, open spaces with few obstructions, which makes it easy to install.
Access to sunlight: The more access to direct sunlight the better, for maximum generation. The positioning on farmland often creates the ideal location for solar panels.
Low shading: Solar panels are sensitive to shading, and farms typically have low levels of shading from trees or buildings. That can help to maximise the performance of solar panels.
The need to reduce energy costs: Farms often have high energy bills due to the electricity required to power irrigation systems, lighting, and other equipment. By installing solar panels, farms can generate their own electricity and reduce energy bills.
Environmental benefits: Farms can benefit from the environmental rewards of solar panels by reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.

How can a farm or agricultural site benefit from a solar installation?

Farms and agricultural businesses can use solar panels to generate electricity and heat, helping to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, and lower their carbon footprint.

Powering irrigation systems: Solar energy can run irrigation pumps, reducing reliance on grid electricity or diesel generators.
Electricity for buildings: Solar panels can power lighting, heating, and cooling in barns, sheds, and farm offices.
Charging electric farm vehicles: Solar can be used to charge electric tractors, vans, and other farm vehicles.
Heating livestock buildings: Solar energy can support heating for poultry sheds and livestock housing.
Selling excess energy: Surplus electricity can be exported to the grid, creating an additional revenue stream.

Overall, solar installations provide a cost-effective, long-term solution for farms looking to reduce energy costs and operate more sustainably.

What are the best locations for solar panels on farms?

One of the most common and effective locations for solar panels on farms is barn roofs.

Barn roofs are often flat or gently sloping, making them ideal for solar panel installations while keeping valuable land free for agricultural use.

Before installation, the roof’s structural integrity is assessed to ensure it can safely support the panels and mounting system. Orientation and angle are also considered to maximise solar generation.

Once approved, panels can be installed using ballasted or anchored mounting systems and connected to an inverter that converts DC electricity into AC power for use across the farm.

Farm fields

Farm fields can also be good locations for solar panels, and there are a few different ways they can be installed:

Ground-mounted solar panels

Solar panels can be mounted on the ground, using a ballasted or anchored mounting system. This can be a good option for fields that are not being used for crops or grazing, although sheep can be an excellent way of keeping grass low in between and underneath panels!

Solar canopies

Solar panels can be installed on a structure, such as a canopy, that is mounted above crops or grazing animals. This can provide shade and shelter for crops and animals while also generating electricity.

Floating solar panels

Solar panels can even be installed on floating structures in bodies of water, such as irrigation ponds or reservoirs. This can be a good option for farms that have large bodies of water on their property and can have the added benefit of preventing evaporation during hot summer days.

Installing solar panels in farm fields can provide a number of benefits, including reducing energy costs, promoting sustainability, and reducing the carbon footprint of the farm. However, we always consider the impact on the land and any potential conflicts with farming activities. We assess things like how ground-mounted solar panels may affect crop rotation or grazing, and carefully consider the installation location and method when drawing up any potential proposal.

Contact us

We’d love to help bring solar to your farm or agricultural building, reducing electricity bills and carbon, and future proofing your energy needs. Get in touch with our team and we can start the conversation.