Sunshine Harvest - Solar PV for Sustainable Farming

British farmers are making great strides towards net zero. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, many have adopted renewable technologies to reduce emissions and lower energy costs. Yet with energy, feed and fertiliser prices staying stubbornly high, there's one common question many are still asking, ‘What more can I do?’. And for an increasing number in the farming sector, the answer is Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels.

With Solar PV, you have the opportunity to diversify land, boost income, and champion net zero goals. Underused spaces are transformed into a reliable source of clean energy and –with the right energy partner – you can maximise your land’s potential, realise the true benefits of sustainable farming, and seamlessly transition to a greener future.

Reap the benefits of Solar PV

Solar PV captures the sun’s energy and converts it to electricity so you can generate your own renewable energy on site. This can benefit your sustainable farming business in several ways.

• Gain energy independence
  Fluctuating energy costs are a big concern for many, but energy-intensive sectors like farming feel the strain even more. With Solar PV, you’re less reliant on the grid, meaning you have greater protection from rising energy costs. Typically, with Solar PV, you can lower your electricity costs by as much as 30% and offset around 50% of your grid consumption with clean power ¹.
• Generate additional revenue
  We'll pay you for every kilowatt hour of unused, eligible electricity your farm generates and feeds into the grid through the government-initiated Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). You’ll need to have a smart meter installed that can record export readings half-hourly, and once up and running, you’ll receive SEG payments every three months.
• Reduce your carbon footprint
  Reducing carbon emissions is essential for tackling the global issue of climate change and reliance on fossil fuels. As a result, there’s mounting pressure on farmers to better protect the planet. The ban on diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030, along with ambitious Agriculture and Environmental Bills, means farmers must seek more sustainable ways of working to keep up. Solar PV is one such technology that’s helping the farming sector get back on track.

The seeds for success

• Opportunity
  Although Solar panel installation on your land can feel like a big step, the opportunity is there for many in the sector with unused, unprofitable, or low-grade agricultural land which could be suitable for Solar PV.
• Funding
  So, how much does Solar cost? The good news is, there’s a government grant available for capital items that improve farm and horticulture productivity – and Solar PV is on the list. It means any farmers and horticulturalists in England can apply for a grant, and if your application is exclusively for Solar PV equipment, the amount you can apply for can be from £15,000 (25% of £60,000) up to £100,000.

Read more about how to fund your Solar PV system

• Support
  Once you have a Solar PV system installed, it’s just as important to choose a trusted energy supplier with a good tariff. At British Gas, we offer Smart Export Guarantee, with no fixed end date or exit fees, that pays you 15.1 pence per kWh of electricity you export (compared to 3.02 pence per kWh of electricity if you’re not a British Gas customer).

To support net zero plans, lower operational costs, and achieve the UK’s green targets, the farming sector should adopt green technologies with a trusted partner.

Solar PV for sustainable farming

Here’s how we can help you with Solar PV…

• Understand the benefits
  Learn how Solar PV can enhance your operations.

• Installation made easy
  Our solar experts will guide you through the process.

• Land suitability assessment
  We’ll evaluate your land for Solar PV installation.

• Electricity production estimates
  Find out how much electricity you can generate.

Ready to explore? Contact us today to discover the benefits of Solar PV for your farm.

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