Solar Panels for Farms
Agriculture Solar Panels Installed by Spirit Energy
Award Winning Solar Installers since 2010

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Why Solar for Farms and Agriculture?

Agriculture runs heavy, predictable daytime loads, and solar PV produces power when farms are most active, cutting imported electricity, stabilising energy costs and reducing carbon intensity. With ample roof space, open ground and three-phase supplies that suit commercial PV systems, farms are naturally well suited to solar installations.

Spirit Energy designs and installs solar systems that deliver reliable, long-term savings for agricultural businesses across the UK. Our in-house teams have completed numerous installations on barns, grain stores and ground arrays, providing turnkey solutions that maximise generation, ensure compliance and deliver dependable returns for years to come.

Contact Spirit Energy if you would like to explore solar panels for your agribusiness.

Does Solar Make Sense for Farms?

Solar makes strong commercial sense for farms because it directly aligns generation with demand while supporting the transition to net zero. Most agricultural operations consume large amounts of electricity during daylight hours for milking, cooling, grain drying, ventilation and irrigation - exactly when solar produces the most.

By generating clean power on site, farms cut exposure to volatile tariffs, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen their energy independence. A well-designed system can offset a significant share of imported electricity, improve margins on every litre or tonne produced, and demonstrate sustainability to suppliers, buyers and investors.

When Will My Farm’s Solar Investment Pay Back?

The payback period for solar panels on farms depends on system size, energy usage and tariff rates, but agricultural businesses undoubtedly see strong returns, often achieving payback within 5 to 8 years, with ongoing savings for 20 years or more.

Whether installed on barn roofs, grain stores or open land, solar panels for farms and agriculture provide a stable, long-term investment that improves profitability while supporting a shift to sustainable, low-carbon operations.

	Payback Period	Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
Bovingdon Ridge	7 years	17%

Enhancing Sustainability in Agriculture

Sustainability in agriculture goes far beyond reducing energy bills - it’s about building a resilient business that can thrive under rising costs and environmental pressures. Solar panels for farms and agricultural businesses provide a clean, renewable source of power that replaces fossil-fuel-based electricity with emission-free generation. The green energy on site allows farms to reduce their carbon footprint, support biodiversity and comply with tightening sustainability requirements across the food supply chain.

Many retailers and processors now expect measurable progress toward net zero, and solar power offers a visible, quantifiable solution. Investing in solar energy helps agricultural enterprises secure energy independence, demonstrate environmental responsibility, and future-proof their operations against both climate and market volatility.

There are plenty of advantages to installing solar for farms and agribusinesses:

Reduce energy bills by generating your own electricity on site
Lower reliance on the grid and protect against rising energy prices
Match daytime solar generation with typical farm energy use
Cut carbon emissions and support sustainability and net zero goals
Improve environmental credentials for retailers and supply chains
Increase energy independence and resilience in rural locations
Benefit from long-lasting, low-maintenance technology
Achieve strong financial returns with payback typically between five and eight years
Add value to farm assets and future-proof operations against energy volatility

The right system size depends on your farm’s electricity usage, available roof or ground space, and grid capacity. Most agricultural solar installations range from 30 kWp for smaller holdings to several hundred kilowatts for larger operations. Solar panels can be installed on a wide range of agricultural buildings, including barns, grain stores, dairy parlours, poultry sheds and workshops. Where roofs are unsuitable, ground-mounted systems are an effective alternative.

Yes. Solar systems can be designed to power high-demand equipment such as irrigation pumps, ventilation fans, refrigeration units, grain dryers and lighting. Because these loads often operate during daylight hours, solar generation directly offsets electricity imported from the grid, reducing costs while improving operational efficiency.

Typical payback periods range from five to eight years, depending on energy usage, system size and tariff rates. Well-matched systems often achieve strong returns because most of the energy is consumed on site. With an expected lifespan of over 25 years, farms benefit from many years of low-cost electricity after payback is reached.

Yes. Financing options such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Hire Purchase and Capex models can make projects cash neutral or even cash positive from day one. Grants and low-interest green loans are also available periodically through UK government or agricultural schemes. Spirit can advise on suitable finance partners and funding opportunities to support your project.

Yes. If you lease your premises, solar can still be installed under a PPA or with landlord approval. The investor or landlord typically funds and owns the system while you buy the electricity at a lower fixed rate. Agreements can be transferred if the building changes ownership or tenancy, making it a flexible solution for reducing costs and improving sustainability without owning the property.

Landowners can earn income from solar installations in a few different ways. If you lease your land to a solar provider or enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you may receive rental payments for the use of your land or a share of the energy savings generated. Payments typically depend on the size of the solar system, the length of the lease agreement, and the energy produced. In a PPA, landowners can benefit from lower electricity bills while also receiving fixed payments over the contract term, often 20–25 years. This can provide a reliable, long-term income stream while contributing to sustainability goals.

Solar Panel Financing
for Farms

We take a lifetime value approach to every solar and battery system. For farms, the goal is clear: generate electricity at a lower cost per kWh than buying from the grid. While solar requires upfront investment, finance options such as Power Purchase Agreements, Hire Purchase and Capex models allow installations to be cash neutral or even cash positive from the start. This means you can cut energy costs immediately without straining working capital.

Spirit helps identify the most suitable finance route and partner to match your farm’s objectives, cashflow and long-term sustainability plans.

Our Agricultural Case Study

In October 2018, Spirit Energy installed a solar PV system for Ridge Farm in Buckinghamshire. The 8.25 kWp array is expected to generate around 7,500 kWh per year, providing reliable clean energy for on-site use.

With estimated annual savings and tariff income of approximately £1,206, the installation achieved a strong financial performance, delivering a payback period of just
7 years and an internal rate of return of 17%. This project demonstrates how well-sited solar panels for farms can deliver both sustainability and solid commercial returns.

See the full case study here.

Spirit Energy - Solar for Farms Specialist

Spirit Energy is a trusted choice for agricultural solar installations, with years of experience designing and delivering bespoke renewable systems for businesses across the UK. We understand the unique energy demands of farms - from irrigation and refrigeration to grain drying and milking parlours - and tailor every system to match each site’s power profile, roof layout and long-term goals.

Our in-house engineers manage every stage, from design and grid applications to installation and maintenance, ensuring each system performs efficiently for decades. With a strong track record, technical expertise and a focus on reliability, Spirit provides agricultural solar panel solutions that deliver lasting value and measurable results.

Request a quote today.

Vishal Giga
Operations Director

Joined Spirit in 2010

Vishal joined Spirit Energy a few months after Erica and Ian founded the business in 2010 as a project manager, and is now our Operations Director. All of our project managers and installers are in-house, and Vishal oversees them all and is in charge of making sure that every project goes smoothly and is installed on time. Vish has a wealth of experience with both commercial and residential projects, and directly manages every commercial project that we do, including our installations at Philip Dennis Foodservice in April 2024, and Hansgrohe's headquarters in September 2024.

Justin Parsons
Head of Installations

Joined Spirit in 2010

Justin is the backbone of the company and part of the leadership team. He has overall responsibility for the installers, electrical design and sign off of all systems as well doing a technical and structural survey for every project to ensure we can manage each job perfectly. His devotion and meticulous attention to detail has helped build Spirit into the reputable and trustworthy brand we are today.

You will most likely meet Justin on your technical & structural survey where he will plan your entire installation and run you through every minute detail.

Although care is taken to ensure that the information on our website (www.spiritenergy.co.uk) and any guides, calculators or checklists provided by us, electronically or otherwise, are accurate and up-to-date, we cannot accept any responsibility for mistakes or omissions. We enter into no express or implied conditions, warranties, terms or representations regarding the quality, accuracy or completeness of the information. We exclude to the extent lawfully permitted all liability for loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential arising out of your use of our website or any guides, calculators or checklists provided by us, or from any information or omission contained in our website or any guides, calculators or checklists provided by us.

Solar Panels for Farms
Agriculture Solar Panels Installed by Spirit Energy
Award Winning Solar Installers since 2010

Does Solar Make Sense for Farms?

Should Businesses Invest in Solar? - Spirit Energy YouTube Case Study.

£4250 Saved Every Year - Football Ground Solar Installation

Our Agricultural Case Study

Vishal Giga
Operations Director

Joined Spirit in 2010

Justin Parsons
Head of Installations

Joined Spirit in 2010

Solar Panels for FarmsAgriculture Solar Panels Installed by Spirit Energy Award Winning Solar Installers since 2010

Does Solar Make Sense for Farms?

Should Businesses Invest in Solar? - Spirit Energy YouTube Case Study.

£4250 Saved Every Year - Football Ground Solar Installation

Our Agricultural Case Study

Vishal GigaOperations Director

Joined Spirit in 2010

Justin ParsonsHead of Installations

Joined Spirit in 2010

Solar Panels for Farms
Agriculture Solar Panels Installed by Spirit Energy
Award Winning Solar Installers since 2010

Vishal Giga
Operations Director

Justin Parsons
Head of Installations