Agricultural Solar Specialists

Solar for Farms in Northern Ireland

Cut energy costs for milking parlours, refrigeration, grain drying & ventilation. Realistic payback for NI farms.

Request Farm Solar Assessment See Payback Details

Commercial Solar NI | Solar Payback Guide

Why Solar Makes Financial Sense for NI Farms

Farms have some of the highest daytime electricity consumption of any business type in Northern Ireland. Solar directly offsets this usage — and the numbers make sense.

Milking Parlours

Milking machines, milk cooling tanks, and water heating run for hours daily — typically during daylight hours when solar generates most power.

Refrigeration

Milk bulk tanks, cold rooms, and chillers operate continuously. Combined with solar, this creates massive daytime savings.

Grain Drying

Seasonal but power-intensive. Grain dryers run for weeks during harvest — perfect timing to maximise solar generation.

Ventilation Systems

Fans, pumps, and climate control for livestock buildings run constantly — especially in summer when solar output is highest.

High daytime usage + strong solar generation = Fast payback for NI farms

Typical Farm Solar System Sizes

Systems are sized to match your farm's electricity demand

20kW System

Small Farm / Hobby Farm

40–55 solar panels
Approx 18,000 kWh/year
Ideal for small dairy units
Estimated: £18,000–£25,000

50kW System

Medium-Sized Farm

100–140 solar panels
Approx 45,000 kWh/year
Suitable for larger dairy farms
Estimated: £40,000–£55,000

100kW+ System

Large Farm / Estate

200+ solar panels
90,000+ kWh/year
Multiple buildings
Estimated: £75,000–£120,000+

Prices are estimates. Final cost depends on roof condition, panel choice, and installation complexity.

Farm Solar Payback

Typical Payback Period

3–5 Years

Realistic. No hype. Based on current NI electricity prices and typical farm usage patterns.

Why Farms Pay Back Fast

High daytime electricity demand aligns with solar generation
Large roof spaces mean bigger systems = more savings
No grid export needed — use almost everything on-site
Many agricultural systems achieve similar or faster returns than other commercial solar systems in Northern Ireland.

Annual Savings Example

50kW system: £8,000–£15,000/year saved
100kW system: £15,000–£30,000/year saved
After payback: effectively free electricity for 15–20+ years
Learn about solar panel costs and payback estimates for your farm.

Available Business Grants & Tax Benefits

Business Support

Up to 20%

Available in some cases through NI business support schemes (eligibility varies)

VAT

20%

Business VAT can be reclaimed through standard VAT returns

Capital Allowances

100%

Solar can qualify for Annual Investment Allowance in many cases

Important Note on Grants

Grant availability changes regularly. We can advise on current schemes during your assessment. Don't wait hoping for future grants — prices may rise and current schemes may end.

Large Roof Space — A Major Advantage

Farm Sheds Are Ideal for Solar

Unlike residential properties limited by roof size, farm buildings often have vast roof areas on warehouses, barns, and livestock buildings.

Unobstructed south-facing roofs
No shading from neighbouring properties
Modern steel frame buildings = easy installation
Generate your own power — zero transport costs

"The best solar roofs aren't on houses — they're on farms."

Every kWh you generate is a kWh you don't buy from the grid at 28p+/kWh.

Ready to Cut Your Farm Energy Costs?

Get a tailored assessment for your farm. We'll review your electricity usage, building layout, and calculate your realistic payback.

Request a Farm Solar Assessment

No obligation • No pushy sales • MCS-certified installers