Solar Panels for Farms and Agriculture

Farming demands consistent energy to power everything from irrigation and refrigeration to milking equipment and lighting. 

Rising electricity costs and pressure to operate more sustainably make reliable, affordable energy vital for long-term success. Installing solar panels on agricultural land or buildings allows you to generate your own electricity, cut costs, and reduce reliance on the grid.

Why is solar energy suitable for agriculture?

Solar is suitable for farms and agriculture because you can integrate solar technology into your farm operations to reduce electricity costs, stabilise energy supply, and promote more sustainable practices. 

Solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight, enabling you to power irrigation systems, lighting, and machinery without relying entirely on the grid.

Farm energy use typically peaks during daylight hours, at the same time solar panels produce the most power. This natural alignment helps you meet daily energy needs efficiently and lowers dependence on external suppliers.

The benefits of solar panels for farms

Farms or agricultural buildings are the ideal platform for solar panels. With high power demands and large available land and/or roof space, suitable for ground mounted or roof mounted solar PV, turns your idle assets into a powerful financial tool:

• Reduced operating costs - Generating your own green power significantly reduces bills for the many energy-intensive tasks you carry out on your farm.

• Diversified income - Through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can sell surplus energy back to the grid, creating a reliable, year-round revenue stream independent of harvest yields.

• Energy independence - Rural power can be unreliable. A solar system, especially when paired with battery storage, insulates your farm from grid outages and rising utility prices, keeping critical machinery running at all times.

• Increased brand image - Solar proves your commitment to sustainable farming, helping you meet strict compliance targets and increasing the appeal of your produce to eco-conscious buyers.

• Low maintenance - Built for harsh rural environments, modern agricultural solar systems are especially durable, especially with proper servicing.

Financing solar panels for farms

Self-financing is usually preferred for farmers as it offers the highest possible return over the full lifetime of the system. However, depending on budget restrictions, you may wish to consider a variety of other financing options. 

The Improving Farm Productivity (IFP) grant offers up to 25% of total project costs for eligible solar photovoltaic systems. Grant amounts typically range from £15,000 to £100,000, applying to installations on farm roofs or reservoirs. Ground-mounted systems usually do not qualify.

Another option is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), where a third-party funder pays for the equipment and installation. In return, you buy the electricity generated at a fixed, discounted rate over a long period of time. 

Other financing routes include agricultural loans, equipment leasing. 

Solar panels for farms installation process

When installing solar panels on farms, we operate under a proven three-step framework designed to minimise disruption to your daily routine:

• Site Assessment & Grid Connection - We conduct a comprehensive survey of your agricultural buildings, assessing structural suitability and analysing your specific energy load profile (e.g. milking times or grain drying periods). We then design a bespoke system to maximise ROI and handle all necessary paperwork, including DNO (Distribution Network Operator) applications and securing available agricultural grants.
  
  
• Seamless Installation - Our experienced team understands that a farm never stops running. We plan the installation around your operational schedule to ensure zero disruption to your business. We use agricultural-grade components designed to withstand rural elements, ensuring a safe, durable build.
  
  
• Monitoring & Maintenance - Dust and debris are inevitable on a working farm. We provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance packages to ensure your system remains clean and efficient. By tracking generation data, we help you maintain peak output and extend the lifespan of your investment for years to come.
  
  

Combining solar PV with battery storage

Pairing solar PV systems with battery storage lets you retain surplus energy for later use, reducing reliance on the grid during low sunlight periods. 

This setup enhances self-sufficiency and helps stabilise your farm’s energy supply, especially where operational hours extend into the evening.

Modern lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries are commonly used for agricultural systems due to their long lifespan and efficient charge cycles.

Agricultural solar panel installation services

Professional solar installation services ensure solar panels meet safety and performance standards. Installers conduct a complete site assessment, considering roof orientation, shading, structural load, and nearby electrical access. For ground-mounted arrays, soil type and land gradient also guide the design.

We’ll also support with planning permission, electrical connection approval, and coordinating with grid operators. Get in touch today to get started