BrightGridFarms can have excellent opportunities for solar because agricultural buildings often provide large roof areas and businesses may have substantial electricity loads from pumps, refrigeration, lighting, machinery and other equipment.
Rooftop solar on farm buildings
Barns and agricultural buildings can provide large areas for solar panels. Roof condition and structural capacity should be checked before installation.
Ground-mounted solar
Ground-mounted systems can provide additional solar capacity where suitable land and planning arrangements exist. Land use, access, planning and grid connection all need consideration.
Farm electricity demand
- Milking equipment
- Refrigeration
- Pumps
- Ventilation
- Lighting
- Workshop machinery
- Electric vehicles
- Processing equipment
Could a farm battery be useful?
Battery storage can help shift solar generation to periods when farm electricity demand is higher. It can also provide flexibility around certain tariff structures.
Can farms export surplus electricity?
Surplus generation may potentially be exported subject to the grid connection and commercial arrangement. The value of export should be compared with the value of on-site consumption.
Do not design farm solar from roof size alone
The strongest agricultural projects combine roof assessment with actual electricity demand, operational schedules and future electrification plans.
Explore solar for your farm
Assess agricultural buildings, electricity demand, battery opportunities and potential grid requirements.
Request a Farm AssessmentFrequently asked questions
Can farms install solar panels?
Yes. Farms can install rooftop or, where suitable and permitted, ground-mounted solar systems.
Is solar worthwhile for farms?
It can be particularly attractive where agricultural electricity demand is substantial and overlaps with solar generation.
Can farms use batteries with solar?
Yes. Battery storage can provide additional flexibility where the electricity demand and tariff structure support it.
Lucas Turner
Agricultural Energy Consultant at BrightGrid Energy
