Solar Panels for Farms
UK farms have ideal solar opportunities — large unshaded barn roofs, three-phase already in place, daytime electrical loads matching generation. We've completed 40+ farm installs across the M6 corridor including dairy, arable, poultry, and agricultural processing.
The sector advantage
- Large barn roofs (200–800 m²) accommodate 30–120 kWp easily
- Three-phase electrical supply already standard
- Daytime loads (milking parlour, cold storage, processing) match generation curve
- Annual Investment Allowance writes off 100% of capex year one — effective net cost down 19–25%
- Ground-mount on unproductive land — solar grazing keeps sheep happy
System sizes & payback
| Customer | Size | Annual saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small farm (1 barn, dairy) | 30 kWp rooftop | £8,400/year | 6.8 years |
| Mid farm (2 barns + workshop) | 60 kWp | £14,800/year | 6.0 years |
| Large farm (5 buildings) | 120 kWp | £28,000/year | 5.5 years |
| Agricultural processing (cold storage) | 250 kWp | £62,000/year | 4.8 years |
What's different in this sector
Asbestos roofs
Many older barns have asbestos cement roofs. Solar install requires asbestos removal first — we coordinate with HSE-licensed asbestos contractors. Often fundable through agricultural grants.
Roof load capacity
Older barns weren't built for solar load. We commission structural engineering surveys; in many cases the existing structure handles 25 kg/m² (modern panels are ~15 kg/m²) but must be verified.
DNO G99 paperwork
Most farm systems are 3-phase commercial G99 connections. We handle DNO paperwork including substation upgrades for larger arrays.
Agricultural grants
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), Countryside Stewardship, and farm-specific grants sometimes co-fund renewable energy. We work with rural business grant consultants.
Real projects, real numbers
32 kWp + 27 kWh battery
Hill Farm Dairy, Shrewsbury
£8,400/year saving, 6.8 yr payback. 86% self-consumption.
120 kWp
Cheshire arable (cold storage)
£28,000/year saving, AIA tax relief £30k year one
80 kWp + biomass boiler
Lancashire poultry farm
Combined £24,000/year saving, RHI ended 2022 but BUS for biomass replacement
Common questions
Can solar work on old asbestos barns?
Do panels affect grazing land?
What's AIA worth on farm solar?
Get a sector-specific quote
Free survey, full PV*SOL feasibility, AIA tax modelling. We work with portfolio landlords, farms, schools, hotels, and distribution centres across the M6 corridor.