Brian sought a sustainable energy solution to mitigate rising energy costs and reduce the farm's environmental impact. Solar PV panels emerged as the ideal way to power the farm while cutting costs and improving energy independence.
Project Goals
- Reduce Energy Costs:
Lower the farm’s annual electricity expenses by generating
renewable energy per year.
- Enhance Sustainability:
align the farm with more sustainable agricultural practices.
- Increase Energy Self-sufficiency: Achieve energy self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
The Challenge
Operating
a dairy farm requires significant energy consumption, with the farm’s
annual usage reaching 36,352 kWh.
With rising electricity prices and
a strong focus on sustainability, Brian needed a renewable energy
source to offset these costs and reduce the farm's reliance on the
grid.
The Solution
Solgrid
installed a 21.56 kWp Solar Panel system featuring 44 solar
panels and an integrated 10 kWh battery system.
This setup enables
the farm to store excess energy generated during the day for use
during peak hours or cloudy periods, providing a consistent power
supply while minimising grid dependency.
Key Benefits
- Cost Savings: The system
provides annual savings of over 30% by generating and storing
renewable energy. With a projected payback period of 4.2 years, the
farm will continue benefiting from reduced electricity bills.
- Environmental Impact:
The farm avoids 3,978 kg of CO₂ emissions annually, helping to
reduce its carbon footprint.
- Energy Self-sufficiency:
The farm achieves 32% self-sufficiency, ensuring a stable and
sustainable power source throughout the year.
- Eligibility for up to 60% of installation costs: Covered under the TAMS grant. Please Note: Installation must meet certain criteria to qualify.
Grant Information
Through the TAMS (Targeted Agricultural
Modernisation Scheme) grant, Brian was eligible for up to 60%
coverage of the installation cost.
This grant significantly reduced the project's financial
burden, making solar PV a cost-effective solution for the farm.
Conclusion
This solar PV
project has transformed Brian Forde's dairy farm into a more
sustainable and cost-efficient operation.
With reduced energy costs,
increased energy independence, and significant environmental
benefits, this project demonstrates the value of solar PV for farms.