Is solar power a good investment for your farm?
- 11 Jul 2022
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Thinking of installing solar on your farm? While the benefits of a solar installation are plain to see for any agricultural business, there are some key considerations for anyone eager to progress with such a project.
Why are you doing it?
You should be clear on the primary reason for the installation. Solar energy systems can be optimised to deliver different benefits: clean energy, the absolute best unit price for electricity and the highest return on investment possible. These will likely all require differences in their design and installation, and any agricultural business looking to commission a system should have clarity on what they would like to achieve before installing solar panels.
Where will it go?
You should consider the space available for their installation and be mindful of any possible impact that giving this space over for solar may have on land or capital use.
When do you need the power?
Does the system need to include energy storage, such as a battery? This will allow zero-carbon electricity to be used to power night-time operations and offer increased protection from electricity pricing volatility but may require a larger solar panel array to maximise on-site generation and will have a higher initial project outlay.
How is your business likely to change in the future?
How well do you understand your future energy needs? A qualified solar system designer will be able to accurately match the quantity of electricity needed by a business to a solar system by using historic electricity consumption data. However, if you have plans to change how your farm operates, and those changes come with an additional energy requirement, there is a risk your system will not generate sufficient power.
