Solar Panels For Farm Buildings

What Solar PV System Did We Install?

To get the best performance and energy savings CRG Direct Solar carried out a full analysis of Bev’s energy usage. As most of Bev’s electricity costs are during daylight hours we recommended a robust 24 panel solar PV system for his farm buildings. This system will generate electricity to meet the farm’s daytime energy needs, reducing reliance on the national grid and fossil fuels.

Agricultural solar panels can be a great way to reduce escalating overheads.

Key components installed:

• 24 x 425W Perlight crystalline panels (total 10.2kW solar PV capacity), mounted on the south facing roof for maximum solar generated electricity.

• 15.36kWh SunSynk battery storage to store excess energy for later use, improving energy resilience and reducing potential rationing or power shortages.

• SunSynk 8kW hybrid inverter for efficient conversion and management of solar and stored energy.

• All equipment is MCS accredited, proven for safety and efficiency.

This will allow Bev to generate his own energy, with the option to export excess energy back to the national grid, potentially creating an additional income stream through the Smart Export Guarantee or other feed-in tariff arrangements.

How Much Money Will Farm Solar Panels Save?

CRG Direct Solar calculated Bev’s farm solar system will generate approximately 10,036.8 kWh of clean energy per year. This is equivalent to annual electricity cost savings of £3,556, the system will pay for itself in 6 years. With the 25 year warranty on the panels Bev will save up to £4,000 per year for more than 15 years as energy prices and overheads continue to rise.

• Return on Investment: Typical farm solar panels can deliver annual returns of 20-30% with installation costs recouped in 4-7 years, especially with government grant funding or capital allowances.

• Long-Term Savings: After the payback period most of the farm’s energy usage can be supplied by free electricity from the solar PV system, reducing ongoing energy bills and protecting from volatile energy prices.

Should You Install Solar Panels on Farm Buildings?

Yes. Solar PV installations on agricultural buildings are a low risk investment for farming businesses of all sizes:

• Energy Savings: Solar panels can save up to 60% of energy costs, especially for energy intensive operations like dairy units, refrigeration warehouses and chicken housing.

• Sustainability: By generating renewable energy farms can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, lower their carbon footprint and improve sustainability credentials, in line with environmental stewardship goals.

• Energy Resilience: Battery storage and grid connection options allow farms to continue to operate during grid outages, supporting uninterrupted use of essential farm equipment.

• Versatility: Solar PV panels can be installed on a wide range of agricultural buildings—barns, grain stores, workshops—or as ground mounted systems on unused land, maximising the use of available space.

• Government Support: UK farmers can access a solar grant—such as the Improving Farm Productivity Grant (covering up to 25% of capital cost for roof mounted systems)—and capital allowances, making solar more accessible. The minimum grant is £15,000, with a maximum of £100,000 and a two stage application process via the Rural Payments Agency.

• Environmental Benefits: Solar PV systems use natural resources without depleting them, conserve water and prevent soil erosion, supporting the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.

Planning Permission and Regulations

Most rooftop solar PV installations on agricultural buildings are permitted development and do not require planning permission, provided certain conditions are met (e.g. panels must not project more than 200mm from the roof, must not be on listed buildings and total site capacity must be below 1MW). However larger or ground mounted solar farms may require planning permission and a more detailed application process.

Obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate from your local planning authority can provide evidence that planning permission is not required—useful for securing grant funding or during property sales.

Making the Business Case for Farm Solar

With rising overheads, energy usage and potential rationing solar PV systems offer UK farmers a strong business case:

• Energy independence: Generate your own energy and reduce exposure to rising electricity costs.

• Grant funding: Get maximum grant support and capital allowances.

• Electric vehicles and modern farm equipment: Power your EVs and other equipment with solar generated electricity.

• Sustainability: Boost your farm business’s green credentials.

Summary

CRG Direct’s 24-panel solar PV system with battery storage on Bev’s farm building is a great example of how solar panels on farm buildings can save energy, reduce environmental impact and add long term value. As more UK farmers adopt renewable technology, solar PV is an essential tool for sustainability, cost reduction and future proofing.

If you’re thinking of solar panels for your farm buildings, get in touch to see what solar grants are available, assess your energy needs and join the growing number of farms enjoying clean, reliable and cost effective solar power.