Solar PV for Farms - What You Need to Think About

Hestia is firmly established in the UK agricultural sector as a quality installer of solar PV systems.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to the environment and to exceptional service.

We are solar PV specialists, providing innovative photovoltaic solutions for farmers and are trusted by UK farmers to deliver. We have strong agricultural customer references.

Our potential customers are welcome to visit one of our successful installations (several up to 50kW).

Hestia is committed to a greener UK, lower carbon production and arming UK farmers with the right advice for responsible energy management. We work closely with a specialist ecologist and environmental planning consultants. We are focussed on providing cleaner energy supplies to keep our farms working.

Hestia is a member of the NFU and CLA.

"If there are two things that were made for each other, it's farmers and renewable energy, farmers have the land, skills and the materials to set up a renewable energy project. " Farmers Weekly

SOLAR PV BENEFITS FOR FARMERS

There is a wide choice of renewable energy systems available to farmers. The sun is one of the earth’s most abundant natural resources and is a truly sustainable energy source. Solar PV panels are an excellent green energy option with unique benefits:

1. On-farm electricity generation is a diversification opportunity. Energy income can supplement farm income. Diversify your production and reduce your risk by producing energy to use and sell.

2. Solar PV can meet on-site electricity needs for heating, feeders, ventilation and process energy. Solar panels allows you to generate your own electricity for consumption - excellent for farms which have reasonable energy demands during the day.

3. No need for additional buildings or land - just put your roof to work.

4. An attractive multi-site income opportunity for farmers with geographically separate operations to install more solar and attract the higher tariff rate for all sites.

5. Investment returns of more than 10% per annum initially rising with annual RPI adjustments.

6. No watering, feeding, maintenance. A safe, well proven technology. Reliable and low maintenance that comes from having no moving parts.

7. Opportunity to ‘lock in’ to current tariff structure will ensure that property values increase as a result of solar installations. As energy bills increase, in the long term, properties that already have panels will be increasingly in demand.

8. Silent operation and low visual intrusion makes planning consent a straightforward process that we will manage on your behalf.

WHAT YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT

Hestia has experience in helping UK farmers deal with a number of Solar PV challenges - including large scale planning permission, financing, grid strength issues, asbestos roofs, roof strengthening and ammonia rich environments.

With an experienced partner, risks can be minimised. A few initial points to consider before embarking on a solar PV installation:

IS SOLAR PV IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

It is best when you have a long term view on your property ownership.

Owner occupiers typically see the highest returns.

Do you have the necessary capital, or would you look for finance support?

Not all roofs are optimal for solar PV. The best roofs are south facing, strong and tilted.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PV SOLUTION

Electricity generation potential vs. on-site requirements.

Is there adequate roof space for a 50kW system?

Roof space or ground space available - how many panels will FIT in the area available?

Not all roofs are suitable. The best roofs are SW through SE facing and have adequate design strength. Hestia offer solutions for solar on ‘lighter’ roof types.

Farmers can have particular issues with roofs, including:
- Is any asbestos present in the roofing material?
- Is the site an ammonia-rich environment?

Hestia is experienced in helping UK farmers overcome these challenges.

LARGE SCALE PLANNING PERMISSION

Although in our experience, this is almost always a straightforward process.

ELECTRICITY NETWORK STRENGTH AND DNO APPLICATIONS

Does the local network have adequate capacity to export the electricity you will generate, or will it need ‘strengthening’?

Hestia is able to quickly determine whether an application for the connection of your solar PV generating station by your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is likely to be allowed. We would encourage all potential customers to establish the facts regarding local connection options at a very early stage in considering a solar PV project.

SolarProspector™

Hestia has developed a proprietary online tool, which is the UK's most sophisticated web based technology available to assess the potential for installing solar PV on a roof. Indentify your roof using aerial imagery and overlay accurately scaled solar panels onto it. Obtain your personal report detailing potential system size, electricity generation and savings. Either try it yourself online, or one of our specialists can assess the potential for installing solar PV on your property.