Lincolnshire is known to contain possibly thousands of farms powering the nation’s food supply. But with rising energy bills, the pressure to cut carbon emissions, and the need for a more reliable energy source, farmers across the county are looking for smarter ways to manage costs and improve sustainability.
One of the most effective solutions to this is solar energy. Farms luckily have the space, the demand, and the opportunity to make solar work even harder than any other type of business. In this guide, we’ll go over the benefits of installing solar panels on Lincolnshire farms, and why more farmers are making the switch.
Why Solar Panels Make Sense for Farms
With agriculture being one of the most energy-intensive industries. From running grain dyers to milking parlours, refrigeration units, water pumps, lighting, the list goes on and on. Because of this, farms face high and often unpredictable energy bills.
Unlike a lot of businesses, farms usually have large roof spaces on buildings such as barns or storage sheds. They even have land that can be adapted for solar installations, making them an ideal location for solar energy systems to generate electricity on-site.
Benefits of Solar Panels for Lincolnshire Farms
Lower Energy Bills
Energy and electricity prices have risen significantly in recent years, and farming businesses are feeling this strain. Solar panels allow farms to generate a large proportion of their own electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid.
This means as a farm owner, you can expect:
- Lower monthly energy costs
- Protection against future energy price spikes.
- Improved financial stability.
These savings can be substantial for farms with high energy usage.
Reliable Power
Energy security is becoming increasingly important. Power cuts or grid issues can be highly disruptive, especially for farms that rely on continuous power for animal welfare, cold storage or irrigation systems.
Solar panels, especially when paired with battery storage, can give farmers access to a reliable source of energy.
Long-Term Cost Saving
Although the initial cost of solar installations isn’t exactly cheap, the long-term savings make it a sound investment. Most solar systems for farms pay for themselves in 5 to 8 years.
With panels lasting 25 years or even longer, this can mean possible decades of reduced energy costs. Additionally, farmers may be eligible for grants or financing options that make solar energy more affordable. Or even given the opportunity to earn extra money through government schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee, where you will be paid for every unit of electricity that you feed back.
Environmental Benefits
Agriculture is currently under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, and solar is one of the easiest ways to do this.
- Solar energy produces no carbon emissions once installed.
- It helps farms meet sustainability targets.
- Consumers are favouring produce from farms that knowingly prioritise sustainability.
For Lincolnshire farmers, investing in solar is not only a good decision financially, but it also strengthens their reputation in a very competitive market.
Increased Land Value
You can not only create long-term savings with solar panels but also add long-term value to farmland and its buildings. When it comes to selling, buyers are more attracted to farms with lower operational costs and built-in renewable energy infrastructure. For family-run farms, solar can be seen as a way of ensuring the future welfare of the next generation.
Are Solar Panels Suitable for All Farms?
While solar panels are an amazing option for many farms, there are a few factors to consider before installing:
- Roof or land availability: Is there space for panels without disrupting daily operations.
- Energy demand: Does your farm use electricity mainly during the day, when solar generation is highest?
- Shading and position: Is the location you’re thinking of placing your panels well exposed to sunlight.
The positive thing is that most of Lincolnshire farms are well-suited to solar, thanks to their large roof space, high energy demand, and ideal land layouts.
Why Choose a Local Installer in Lincolnshire
When it comes to installing solar panels, working with a local company has real advantages. Working with Lincs Renewables means you’re working with people who have existing knowledge of Lincolnshire farms and their unique requirements compared to those of city businesses.
We pride ourselves on providing quick service and constant support, such as our maintenance, servicing and repairs. Our local installers are always nearby for maintenance or aftercare. In addition to this, we’re incredibly proud to offer full design systems specifically for agriculture use, ensuring maximum efficiency and savings.
Final Thoughts
For Lincolnshire farmers, solar panels offer more than just an opportunity to cut energy bills, they provide independence, long-term financial security, and a way to ensure the next generation is provided for.
With large roof spaces, expanse land to use, high energy demand, and the growing pressure to embrace renewable energy, Lincolnshire farms are in an ideal position to take advantage of solar power.
For more information, call us on 01472 511487, email us at info@lincsrenewables.co.uk or contact us here.
