In today’s climate, farming in Ireland is becoming increasingly challenging. Energy costs are rising, the weather is becoming more unpredictable, and the pressure is increasing to adopt sustainable practices. No matter what your farm’s size, whether you’re running a busy dairy operation, managing poultry sheds or cultivating crop fields, you will have a significant dependence on electricity.
This is why many Irish farmers are choosing solar power.
Installing a solar panel system isn’t just a tactic to go green; it’s a way to take control of your farm’s future. By generating your own electricity on-site, you can reduce your electricity bills, protect your family business against price hikes, and make your farm more resilient in a changing world.
Why Farming Needs To Adapt Its Practices
Farming is an ever-evolving industry, and now farmers across Ireland are facing a new wave of challenges that are demanding a fresh approach to how farms are powered.
The largest pressure is the rising cost of electricity. With machinery that runs for hours on end and more farms opting for automated systems to make operations run smoother, electricity usage on a farm is high. Think about all of the milking parlours, lighting, water pumps, electric fences and ventilation systems on your farm; they’re all contributing to higher electricity bills.
There’s also the growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and achieve ambitious climate targets. Many supermarkets and food manufacturers are requesting proof of sustainable practices from their suppliers, including energy efficiency, renewable sourcing and overall strategies to reduce the production of emissions.
Unpredictable weather patterns can also make farming more resource-intensive. Pair this with the fluctuations in energy prices that we are seeing and grid instability becoming a concern, a dependable on-site energy source could be a valuable addition. Solar energy is stable and gives you further control over your farm.
Farmers need to adapt their practices, not only for the environment, but also to improve their profitability.
How Can Farmers Benefit From Solar Panel Systems?
Installing a solar panel system onto a farm can have many practical benefits.
One core benefit is the significant cost savings on your energy bills. Generating your own energy will reduce your farm’s reliance on the national grid system, and further protect you from rising energy costs.
As mentioned above, many farms will have a significant electricity demand, yet investing in solar energy can save thousands of euros each year.
Even in remote areas, Irish farms can enjoy energy independence and stable, reliable power.
It’s worth mentioning that a solar panel system will also reduce your farm’s carbon footprint, supporting Ireland towards a greener future and align your business with the growing expectations for sustainability.
What Are The Financial Benefits?
It’s understandable that the investment is a crucial consideration when it comes to a solar panel system. The upfront cost of a solar system can be significant, however the long-term savings can far outweigh the initial expense.
The typical payback period of a solar panel system is between five to seven years, but this all depends on the size of the system and the farm’s energy usage.
However, once this is paid off, you can enjoy free electricity and typically, excess energy can be sold back to the grid to create an extra revenue stream.
Things To Consider Before You Install Solar Panels On Your Farm
Before making the investment in solar panels, farmers must consider a few key factors first in order to deliver the best return.
First, think about the orientation and condition of the buildings on which you want to mount the panels. Solar panels will work the best on south-facing roofs with minimal shade, however if your building is east- or west-facing, you’ll still get considerable electricity. If roof space is limited, farms are well suited to ground-mounted systems.
You should also think about your current energy usage. This is where a deep-dive and audit on your energy consumption can be handy to better understand the options available to you.
A reputable solar installer, such as the team here at Alternative Energy, will be able to ensure that your system is designed to your needs and complies with all safety requirements. With this careful planning, your investment will be low-maintenance, highly effective and built to last.
Further Future Proof Your Farm With A Solar Battery
Solar panels alone offer excellent savings, but pairing them with a solar battery can take your system to the next level in terms of energy independence.
A solar battery will store any excess electricity generated to be used at night or during peak demand. Should you experience an electricity outage, your battery system will also ensure that your equipment keeps running, giving you an extra layer of security when it comes to your daily operations. The battery will also be helpful should you experience adverse weather conditions.
Battery systems do require a further investment, but the long-term benefits are significant. Especially as energy costs continue to rise, farmers can future proof their operations, securing their farm for future generations.
For farmers that have been able to invest, solar energy is helping to keep their farms viable. With more reliable energy streams, farms can be confident when it comes to typical day-to-day practice, whilst also diversifying their income, to create economic and environmental sustainability that can be passed down through the generations.
Here at Alternative Energy, we have supplied many solar panels in Ireland and beyond to various customers. For further advice on how solar energy can future-proof your farm, our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and talk you through each step of the process. We understand that your farm is an important family asset, which is why we’ll help you to install the best system for your needs and requirements.
