Joe Swayne’s farm in Ballon, Co. Carlow, is committed to
sustainable agriculture. With increasing energy costs and a strong
focus on reducing environmental impact, Joe opted to integrate solar
energy into his farm.
By leveraging the TAMS grant, which can cover
up to 60% of installation costs, Joe made a strategic investment in
renewable energy.
Project Goals
- Reduce Grid Dependency:
Empower agricultural operations with solar panels to achieve higher
levels of self-sufficiency.
- Support Sustainability:
Reduce carbon emissions, aligning agricultural practices with
environmental goals.
- Improve Energy Efficiency:
Optimize energy generation and consumption with integrated storage
solutions.
- Leverage Financial Support: Utilize TAMS grants to make solar panel installations affordable for farmers, with grants covering up to 60% of the costs.
The Challenge
The primary goal was to reduce reliance on grid electricity, cut operational costs, and decrease carbon emissions. The farm required a solar PV solution that could power daily operations effectively and store energy for peak usage.
The Solution
Solgrid installed a 14.7 kWp Solar PV system consisting of 30 high-efficiency Q-Cell panels, two Huawei inverters, and a 5 kW battery system. This setup optimizes energy generation, storage, and consumption, ensuring the farm operates sustainably.
System Performance Figures:
- Annual Output: 13,154
kWh
- Direct Consumption of Power:
68.2%
- Level of Self-Sufficiency: 29.9%
Financial Metrics
- Internal Rate of Return
(IRR): 50.97%
- Electricity Production Cost: €0.079/kWh
Carbon Savings
- Annual Savings: 4,551 kg
CO₂ emissions avoided per annum.
- Lifetime Savings: 136,530 kg over the system’s 30-year product lifespan.
Yearly Equivalencies:
Trees planted: 75
Coal saved: 2,293 kg
Kilometres avoided: 18,650
Key Benefits
- Sustainability Leadership:
Avoiding 4,551 kg of CO₂ emissions annually demonstrates a
commitment to environmentally responsible farming.
- Significant Energy Savings:
68.2% of generated solar energy is consumed directly, reducing
reliance on grid electricity.
- Rapid Payback Period:
The system’s 2.2-year amortization period ensures a swift return
on investment.
- Enhanced Self-Sufficiency:
Achieving 29.9% self-sufficiency allows the farm to operate more
independently.
- Financial Viability: With an IRR of 50.97%, the investment in solar panels offers excellent long-term financial returns.
The Result
Joe Swayne’s Solar PV installation exemplifies how agricultural solar panels can reduce carbon emissions, provide significant energy savings, and contribute to sustainability in farming.