Boveys Down Farm is a working farm and glamping business near Farway, Colyton, in East Devon. To reduce operating costs and strengthen its environmental credentials, it partnered with DES Renewable Energy to install a ground-mounted solar PV system that generates clean electricity onsite, lowers energy bills and supports its long-term sustainability goals.
Project overview
Boveys Down Farm commissioned DES Renewable Energy to install a 69 kWp solar PV system as a ground-mounted array. The installation comprised 150 x 460W Astronergy N7s 2.0 panels connected to a SolaX X3-MEGA 60kW inverter. The project aimed to reduce electricity costs, lower carbon emissions and enhance the farm’s long-term financial sustainability.
Project details
- Company: Boveys Down Farm
- Location: Boveys Down Farm, Farway, Colyton, EX24 6JD
- Solar system capacity: 69 kWp
- Estimated annual generation: 46,387 kWh
- Installation type: Ground-mounted solar panels
- Project timeline: Delivered in 2026, from survey to commissioning
The objectives
- Reduce the cost of powering the farm’s energy-hungry agricultural and glamping operations, cutting dependence on grid energy
- Improve environmental sustainability by reducing the farm’s carbon footprint
- Achieve long-term operational savings and financial returns
- Demonstrate responsible energy practices to customers, staff and stakeholders
The solution: bespoke assessment and design
DES Renewable Energy conducted a comprehensive assessment of the site, structural considerations and sun exposure to ensure optimal placement and system sizing, maximising energy production and long-term reliability. The system was designed with 150 x 460W Astronergy N7s 2.0 panels installed as a ground-mounted array, with power conversion handled by a SolaX X3-MEGA 60kW inverter, integrating with the site’s existing electrical infrastructure for efficient energy management. DES Renewable Energy also ensured compliance with building regulations, electrical standards and industry best practices, obtaining all necessary permits and approvals for a fully compliant and safe installation.
Installation and completion
The installation was carried out with minimal disruption to the farm’s day-to-day operations. Panels were securely mounted, connected to the inverter and integrated with the existing electrical system. Comprehensive testing and commissioning verified the system’s performance, functionality and safety. From initial assessment to completed commissioning, DES Renewable Energy provided a turnkey solution ensuring optimal energy generation, regulatory compliance and sustainable operational savings.
The results
- Energy cost reduction: lower electricity bills and reduced reliance on grid energy
- Environmental impact: an estimated 46,387 kWh of clean energy each year, saving an estimated 9.6 tonnes of CO2 annually
- Financial returns: savings on energy costs contribute to long-term financial sustainability
- Public image: demonstrates responsible energy practices to customers, staff and stakeholders
At a glance
- 150 x 460W Astronergy N7s 2.0 panels, ground-mounted
- 69 kWp total system capacity
- SolaX X3-MEGA 60kW inverter
- An estimated 46,387 kWh of clean energy generated per year
- Reduced electricity costs and carbon footprint
Our accreditations
We are MCS certified, which guarantees that our installations have been designed, installed and commissioned to the highest standard using only MCS certified products. We are also NAPIT certified, which confirms that we are certified to install and self-certify all of our electrical installations, and we comply with the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
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