Farms are among the best-suited properties in the country for solar. Large barn and shed roofs, spare land, high daytime energy use and long-term ownership all add up to a compelling case. For many agricultural businesses, solar turns energy from a rising cost into a controllable asset — and can even create a new income stream. Here’s how it works on the land.
Why farms are ideal for solar
- Big roofs going spare — barns, sheds and livestock buildings offer large, unshaded south-facing areas perfect for panels.
- Land for ground-mounted arrays — where roof space is limited, a ground-mounted system can be sited on less-productive land.
- High daytime demand — milking parlours, refrigeration, grain drying, irrigation and workshops all draw power during daylight, matching solar generation perfectly.
- Long-term thinking — farms are typically held for decades, so the full lifetime savings of a solar system are realised.
- Diversification — exporting surplus energy adds a resilient income alongside farming.
Powering the whole operation
Agricultural energy use is often heaviest exactly when the sun is up, which makes self-consumption high and payback strong. Adding battery storage lets you capture surplus for use in the evening or overnight — useful for operations that run around the clock — and provides resilience against grid outages, which can be especially valuable in rural areas with less reliable supply.
Tax and financial advantages
As a business investment, agricultural solar can benefit from capital allowances that improve the after-tax return, and the energy savings go straight to the bottom line. The exact treatment depends on your circumstances, so it’s worth confirming the detail with your accountant — but for many farming businesses the combination of savings, tax relief and export income makes the numbers work well.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put solar on my barn or agricultural shed?
In most cases yes — large agricultural roofs are excellent for solar, provided the structure is sound. We assess the building’s condition and load capacity as part of the design.
Is ground-mounted or roof-mounted better for a farm?
It depends on your available roof space and land. Many farms use roofs first and add ground-mounted arrays where more capacity is needed. We’ll advise on the best mix for your site.
Will solar disrupt my farming operations?
Installation is planned around your operation, and much of the work is on roofs or spare land, so day-to-day disruption is kept to a minimum.
Put your land and roofs to work
Agricultural solar is one of the most rewarding investments a farm can make. As MCS- and NAPIT-certified installers covering Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, we design robust systems for farms and rural businesses. See our agricultural solar service or get a free assessment.
This guide is part of our complete guide to solar panels.