Project Summary:

System Size: 70 kWp

Annual Output: 66,800 kWh

Background

A chicken farm in Kent was facing rising energy costs and increasing dependence on grid-supplied electricity to operate its facilities. The farm needed a reliable and sustainable energy solution to power its chicken sheds, which require a consistent supply of electricity for heating, lighting, and ventilation. To address these challenges, the farm turned to solar energy.

Objective

The goals of the project were to:

Reduce Energy Costs: By generating renewable energy on-site, the farm aimed to lower its electricity bills and increase its profitability.
Enhance Sustainability: The farm sought to adopt an eco-friendly energy solution that would reduce its reliance on conventional power sources and lower its carbon footprint.

Approach

The farm installed a 70 kWp ground-mounted solar array on unused land. The array was positioned to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day, ensuring optimal energy production. The power generated was directed primarily to the chicken sheds, which have high energy demands for lighting, ventilation, and temperature control.

Key aspects of the project included:

Ground-mounted solar array: Making use of underutilised land to house the solar panels.
Powering chicken sheds: The energy generated by the array was used to power essential farm operations, reducing reliance on external electricity supplies.

The installation was completed with minimal disruption to the farm’s daily operations, and the system was designed to match the farm’s specific energy requirements.

Results

The solar array produces an annual output of 66,800 kWh, which significantly offsets the energy costs associated with running the chicken sheds. This has resulted in:

Lower Energy Costs: The farm now relies less on grid-supplied power, leading to significant savings on electricity bills.
Energy Security: On-site energy generation ensures a steady and reliable power supply, critical for maintaining optimal conditions in the chicken sheds.
Sustainability: The farm has reduced its carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Operational Efficiency: The renewable energy system ensures the farm’s operations, such as heating and lighting, run smoothly without interruptions.

Benefits

Cost Savings: The farm enjoys lower electricity bills, reducing operational costs and boosting profitability.
Environmental Impact: The shift to solar energy reduces the farm’s greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the UK’s sustainability goals for the agricultural sector.
Future-Proofing: With energy costs rising, the farm has positioned itself to better manage future energy price fluctuations and potential supply disruptions.

Conclusion

This solar energy project demonstrates how renewable energy can benefit small and medium-sized agricultural businesses. The 70 kWp ground-mounted system has provided the Kent chicken farm with energy security, substantial cost savings, and an environmentally friendly solution to power its operations. As energy prices continue to rise, solar power is becoming an increasingly attractive option for farmers seeking to reduce costs and improve sustainability.