SOLAR FARMS ON AGRICULTURAL LAND

In an era marked by surging energy costs and a global push towards sustainability, rural landowners are increasingly considering renewable energy solutions to enhance their properties and finances.

The ideal farm would be using a high amount of electricity or there would be a suitable offtaker that is local to the installation, such as an industrial estate or factory etc – however it is still possible to sell electricity back to the Grid as well

While obtaining planning consent for ground-mounted solar farms on agricultural land can be challenging and can take time to get off the ground – rural properties usually have large barns that have suitable roofspace which can be a much easier option as planning is generally not required

Solar installations can be funded directly by the landowner and they then benefit from the export payments and reduced electricity costs or can be installed at no upfront cost to the landowner through schemes where the cost of panels is fully funded (usually by a pension company or investment group). In return the investment group will benefit from the payments from the electricity generated, while the farm enjoys buying energy at a lower rate of electricity than standard tariffs - the farmer could also receive a rent for the land

One of the main issues facing developments without a private wire to an offtaker is grid connection, and there are often long lead times to secure it (some projects can take years to come to fruition) – this can also be financially challenging if the point of grid connection is too far and can make or break the feasibility of the installation, which is why the evaluation of this is one of the first things we need to do

There are some things that you need to evaluate first that you can do yourself:

• Land Size & Location: Evaluate the amount of land you would like to make available for the solar farm. Solar farms generally need several acres of land, though the exact amount depends on your energy needs and the system's capacity as well as grid connections in the area
• Land Usage – Evaluate whether you wish to continue to utilise the land for grazing or planting as well as solar
• Sunlight Exposure: Ensure your land gets plenty of direct sunlight for most of the day. A sunny, open area is ideal, with minimal shading from trees or buildings.
• Soil & Terrain: Level land is preferable, but solar panels can be installed on sloped terrain too. Some systems can even be mounted on land with varying elevations.
• Grading of land: Verify whether your land is graded for agricultural use or has the potential for commercial energy production. Contact local authorities or planning departments for details
• Transformers and Substations – Where are the nearest ones and are they on your land
• How are you paying for it - Do you want solar at no upfront cost or are you prepared to lease or lend for the project

You then need to speak with us at TB Electrics who will be able to help you with the next steps – however this is where the commitment to some costs may need to be taken account of in order to evaluate the feasibility of the project (dependent on how you are funding the installation)

   Energy Needs: Determine the energy demands of your farm / offtaker/ grid export and match them with the capacity of the solar farm you want to build.

     Design Process – TB Electrics will design a system on your land to match the energy needs of the proposed solar farm and will liaise with the DNO on your behalf - we will also provide the information needed for the planning dept regarding the layout of the panel array - at TB Electrics we work with a local planning expert who will help with this.

This will also incorporate site visits – topology assessments and planning for electrical infrastructure such as inverters, transformers, and connections to the grid as well as the consideration of any battery storage systems that may be required – some of this work may be chargeable and costs will be incurred for surveys and grid connection requests

        Finance Options

Financial Viability: TB Electrics work with experts to assess the economic feasibility of installing a solar farm. Consideration needs to be made of installation costs, ongoing maintenance, and potential revenue from selling excess energy back to the Grid or to an offtaker – all of these areas will determine which is the best way forward for your project – each one is bespoke and one size does not fit all

Financing Options: There are various funding methods available such as loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), or third-party ownership. Some options allow you to install solar with no upfront cost, allowing you to pay a lower rate for the energy produced instead or renting your land out – others mean that you will make the best ROI for yourself over a period of time – again this will be determined based on your project to find the best way forward for you

Return on Investment (ROI): We will calculate the potential savings from reduced energy costs and income from selling excess power back to the grid for you - this will vary on the finance options chosen and will be less if solar with no upfront cost is chosen

Metering and Electricity Agreements – The best options for this will have been determined at design stage based on whether you are the owner of the system or whether you have decided that solar with no upfront cost is best for you - we work with experts who will set up either the PPA (Power Purchase Agreements) with you or will arrange for the metering and the costs to the offtaker or Grid – dependent on the size of the system

         Installation of the Solar System

• Prepararation of the Land: Clear the area for panel installation and set up any necessary groundwork, such as mounting structures or levelling terrain. Ground evaluation surveys and topology surveys will be carried out to determine the mounting equipment needed and the siting of the panels
• Panel Installation: The solar panels are typically mounted on racks or frames and the planning application and design will have determined the type of mounting equipment required
• Electrical Connections: The solar panels, inverters (which convert DC energy to AC electricity), wiring connections to the grid or storage systems and all cabling and cable management and housing systems will be installed
• Inspection: After installation, the system will be tested and inspected to ensure it meets safety standards and performs as expected.

        Monitor and Maintain the System

• Monitoring: Use monitoring systems to keep track of your solar farm’s energy production and performance. Many systems provide real-time data and alerts if there’s an issue.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep the solar panels clean and check for any damage, wear, or issues with electrical components. Regular maintenance can ensure that your system operates at peak efficiency for many years.
• Warranty & Support: Solar panel equipment often comes with warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years. Make sure you know the terms for any repairs or maintenance covered under the warranty.
• Annual inspections – This will generally have been included in the design and pricing proposal and the solar maintenance requirements will be agreed with either the financer or the landowner

Evaluate Performance & Benefits

• Track Savings and Earnings: Monitor how much energy your farm produces and how much money you’re saving on energy costs. Compare it with your initial projections.
• Environmental Impact: Solar farms provide environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Track the positive environmental impact your farm has made.

           Consider Expansion

• Future Growth: If your solar farm proves to be successful, you may want to explore expanding the system over time or investing in other renewable energy solutions (like wind or bioenergy).
• New Opportunities: Look into further opportunities for income, such as leasing your land for other renewable energy projects or offering it for community solar installations.

By following these steps, you can take advantage of renewable energy to power your farm, potentially create a new revenue stream, and contribute to environmental sustainability.