Solar Panels for Farms | Agricultural Solar & Battery Storage
Reduce one of your farm's biggest overheads while building long-term energy resilience.
Running a successful farm has never been more challenging
Input costs continue to fluctuate, electricity prices remain volatile and increasingly unpredictable weather makes long-term planning more difficult than ever. Every pound saved on overheads goes straight back into the profitability of your business.
That's why more farmers are investing in solar panels for farms and battery storage.
Generating your own electricity allows you to reduce one of your largest controllable costs while protecting your business from future energy price rises. Unlike electricity bought from the grid, the cost of generating your own solar power for agriculture is effectively fixed on the day your system is installed, giving you greater certainty over your energy costs for decades to come.
For many agricultural businesses, agricultural solar panels aren't simply an environmental investment - they're one of the smartest commercial investments they can make.
Why are solar panels ideal for farms?
Farms are among the best candidates for commercial solar because they often combine large roof spaces with high daytime electricity demand.
Many agricultural businesses already have the ideal conditions for a high-performing agriculture solar system, including:
- Large agricultural buildings with roofs ideally suited to solar panels
- High daytime electricity consumption
- Refrigeration, automated equipment and processing facilities
- Space for battery storage for farms
- Long-term ownership of buildings, delivering excellent return on investment
Whether you run a dairy farm, poultry unit, pig enterprise, horticultural business, arable farm or mixed farm, installing solar panels for farms can significantly reduce operating costs while increasing the resilience of your business.
The benefits of solar panels for farms
Installing agricultural solar panels and battery storage can help your farm:
✔ Reduce electricity bills from day one
✔ Protect your business against future energy price volatility
✔ Improve profitability by lowering operating costs
✔ Increase energy resilience during power cuts and grid interruptions
✔ Reduce your carbon footprint
✔ Make better use of existing farm buildings
✔ Prepare your business for increasing electrification
✔ Improve the long-term value of your assets
Many of our customers tell us the biggest benefit isn't simply saving money today — it's knowing that a significant proportion of their future electricity costs are now under their own control.
Steps to implementing a farm solar panel system
Every system we design is bespoke and made specifically for the farm building or property depending on factors including orientation, shading from other properties or trees, energy usage and the limits set by the DNO (District Network Operator).
1. Initial Assessment
We audit your current energy usage using the half hourly data provided by your energy company which lets us understand the type and size of solar panel system you might require and any potential saving. We’ll also do a site visit to look at things like the condition of the roof spaces, position of the meter and structural integrity.
2. Design & Planning
We then use our bespoke software to model a system that exactly fits the needs of the farm’s buildings or land for a solar array. We’ll be able to tell you the cost and calculate the return on investment and payback periods. We can also look at loans and PPAs if it’s relevant to your project.
3. Permitting & Approvals
We’ll work with the DNO to get the relevant approvals for installation and metering agreements. We can also help assist with any planning permissions needed.
4. Installation
We have over 20 years' experience installing solar PV, so we’re adept in most situations, ensuring quality, integrity and efficiency for your installation. Once installed, we will verify the system’s performance and safety and ensure that everyone that needs to understand how to use it.
5. Customer Care
We pride ourselves on providing excellent service and are here to support all customers at all phases of the installation, including once it’s complete. We offer an annual maintenance inspection and a five-year full inspection and service contract.
Do farms need battery storage?
Not every farm uses electricity in the same way.
If most of your electricity is consumed while your solar panels are generating power - for example during milking, refrigeration or processing - you may not require a large battery.
However, many farms continue using significant amounts of electricity long after the sun goes down.
Adding battery storage for farms allows you to store excess electricity generated during the day and use it during the evening, overnight or during periods of high electricity prices.
Our team will design a system around how your farm actually uses energy, ensuring you achieve the best possible return on investment.
Commercial solar designed specifically for agriculture
Every farm is different.
That's why we don't install off-the-shelf systems.
We design bespoke solar power systems for agriculture based on your buildings, energy consumption, future expansion plans and available grid capacity.
Whether you're installing solar on an existing livestock building, grain store, packhouse or workshop, we'll recommend the right combination of solar panels, battery storage and smart energy management to maximise long-term savings.
Looking beyond traditional solar
At Bloom Renewables, we're helping shape the future of farm energy.
Virtual Power Plants (VPP)
In 2024 we secured UKRI innovation funding to pilot a Virtual Power Plant, enabling farms to buy and sell surplus renewable electricity through intelligent energy trading.
As electricity markets become increasingly flexible, this technology has the potential to create new income opportunities while helping farmers make better use of the electricity they generate.
You can find out more about the Bloom Rural Energy Network (BREN) here.
Agri-PV
We're also pioneering Agri-PV (agrivoltaics), allowing farmers to generate renewable electricity while continuing to farm the same land.
As the UK's climate changes, Agri-PV is attracting increasing interest - not only because it enables dual land use, but also because it has the potential to improve resilience for some farming systems and support livestock welfare through carefully designed shade structures.
We believe innovations like Agri-PV represent the next generation of solar power for agriculture, helping farmers diversify income while maintaining productive farmland.
Why choose Bloom Renewables?
We're more than solar installers.
We understand agriculture.
Our team works with farmers across the Southwest to deliver high-quality commercial solar and battery storage systems that reduce costs, improve resilience and support the long-term success of farming businesses.
From initial feasibility and grid applications through to installation and ongoing support, we'll help you maximise the return on your investment.
FAQs about solar panels for farms
Are solar panels worth it for farms?
For many farms, yes. Large roof areas combined with high electricity demand often make agriculture one of the strongest sectors for solar investment.
How much can farms save with solar panels?
Every system is different, but generating your own electricity can significantly reduce your farm's energy bills and protect against future price increases.
Do I need battery storage on my farm?
It depends on when you use your electricity. We'll analyse your consumption and recommend whether battery storage will improve your return on investment.
Can agricultural buildings support solar panels?
In many cases, yes. Barns, livestock buildings, grain stores, workshops and other agricultural buildings are often ideal for rooftop solar.
What is Agri-PV?
Agri-PV (agrivoltaics) combines farming with solar electricity generation, allowing the same land to produce both food and renewable energy.
Case studies for farm solar
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