Project Summary:

System Size - 1MWP

Annual Output - 820,500kWh

Project Overview:

This large-scale agricultural business recognised the growing challenges posed by fluctuating utility prices. In response, they took a forward-thinking approach, deciding to reduce their reliance on external energy suppliers by investing in renewable energy solutions. The farm opted for a comprehensive solar energy system that included a 1MW ground-mounted solar array and several roof-based solar PV installations.

Objective:

The primary goal for this farm was twofold:

Energy Security: By generating their own energy on-site, they aimed to protect their business from the risks associated with utility price fluctuations and energy market volatility.
Financial Gains: At the time of installation, the business was able to take advantage of the UK’s Feed-In Tariff (FiT), a government incentive scheme that provided financial returns for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. This helped them recover a portion of their initial investment while lowering their operational costs.

Approach:

The farm fully utilised its available land and building space to optimise energy production:

Ground-mounted solar array: A 1MW ground-mounted system was installed ensuring maximum energy output.
Roof-based systems: Roofs of existing facilities were equipped with additional solar panels to capture every possible kilowatt of solar energy.

This multi-faceted approach enabled the farm to significantly increase its energy independence, while also ensuring they used every square meter of available space for renewable energy generation.

Results

Since the installation, the system has consistently delivered an annual output of 820,500 kWh. This output has been crucial in powering the farm’s agricultural operations.

Benefits

Energy Cost Reduction: The solar system drastically reduced the farm's dependence on grid-supplied electricity, which shielded them from rising energy prices.
Sustainability: The switch to renewable energy aligned the farm with sustainability goals, reducing its carbon footprint and improving its reputation in the market.
Financial Incentives: The business benefited from the now-retired Feed-In Tariff, earning revenue from excess energy sent back to the grid.
Energy Independence: The on-site energy generation gave the business greater control over its energy consumption, allowing it to meet demand during peak times.

Conclusion

By installing a 1MW ground-mounted solar array and additional roof-based systems, this large farm and factory successfully mitigated energy risks and achieved considerable cost savings. Their investment in renewable energy not only protected them from utility price fluctuations but also delivered substantial financial benefits through government incentives. As a result, they’ve been able to significantly improve their operational efficiency while contributing to a more sustainable future.