With energy costs continuing to impact profitability across the agricultural sector, more farmers in the South East are turning to solar power as a reliable, long term solution. Investing in solar panels for farms not only reduces operational costs but also creates new income opportunities while improving sustainability credentials.
At SolarTherm UK, we work closely with farms and agricultural businesses across the South East to deliver tailored solar PV and battery storage systems designed for rural energy demands.
Why Solar Panels Make Sense for Farms
Farms are uniquely positioned to benefit from solar energy due to their high energy usage, available roof space and daytime electricity demand.
Key Benefits Include:
Significant Energy Cost Savings
Agricultural operations – such as milking systems, grain drying, refrigeration and irrigation – consumer large amounts of electricity. Solar PV systems can offset a substantial portion of this usage, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Strong Return on Investment
With rising energy prices and available incentives, most farm solar installations achieve payback within 3-6 years, while systems typically last 30 years or more.
Additional Revenue Streams
Excess electricity can be exported to the grid through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), providing an income stream.
Future Proofing Against Energy Volatility
Solar combined with battery storage helps farms stabilise energy costs and improve resilience against outages or price fluctuations.
Ideal Locations for Solar Installations on Farms
Farms often have multiple suitable installation areas:
- Barn roofs and agricultural buildings
- Ground mounted systems on unused or grazing land
- Machinery storage units
- Livestock housing structures
South-facing roofs or open land provide optimal generation, but modern systems can still perform well on east/west orientations.
Battery Storage: Maximising Farm Efficiency
Battery storage is becoming increasingly important for agricultural solar systems.
- Store surplus daytime energy for use at night
- Power early morning or evening operations
- Reduce reliance on peak rate electricity
- Provide backup power during outages
For farms with variable demand cycles, batteries significantly improve overall system efficiency and ROI.
Planning Permission and Regulations for Agricultural Solar
In many cases, solar panels on farm buildings fall under permitted development rights, meaning planning permission is not required. However, ground mounted systems, listed building and conservation areas may have additional restrictions. DNO approval is required before installation to ensure grid capacity is assessed.
SolarTherm UK provides full support with system design, compliance and grid applications to ensure a smooth installation process.
Why Choose SolarTherm UK for Your Farm?
Choosing the right installer is critical for long term performance and reliability.
Our Credentials:
- Experienced in agricultural installations across the South East
- MCS certified systems ensuring eligibility for export payments
- Custom system design based on your farm’s energy profile and needs
- High quality components with long warranties
- End to end project management, including grid applications and long term support
We understand the operational demands of farms and design systems that work around your business – not disrupt it.
Real-World Use Case
A mixed-use farm in Essex recently installed a 11.07kWp solar system with battery storage through SolarTherm UK. The result:
- First year savings: £2,357
- Projected 30 year savings: £154,076
- Total rate of return: 842%
- Payback Period: ~ 5years
This is a typical example of how solar panels for farms can deliver both immediate and long-term financial benefits.
Environmental Benefits for Agriculture
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in UK agriculture. Solar energy helps farms reduce carbon emissions, meet environmental scheme requirements, improve brand perception with eco-conscious consumers and support long term land stewardship.
Start Your farm Solar Journey Today
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, energy usage profile and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your farm. Your energy. Your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels for farms cost?
Costs vary depending on system size and complexity, but most agricultural systems range from £20,000 to £100,000+. Financing options are available.
How long do farm solar systems last?
Most panels last 25–30 years, with inverters typically lasting 10–15 years.
Can I install solar panels on farmland?
Yes, ground-mounted systems are common, but may require planning permission depending on size and location.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Yes—generation is lower, but systems still produce electricity throughout the year.
Is battery storage worth it for farms?
In most cases, yes. Farms with variable or high evening demand benefit significantly from stored energy.
