Solar Power For Farming & Agriculture

Powering agriculture with renewable, sustainable energy to reduce electricity bills by up to 30%.

Fully Funded Solar Solution Calculator

Shawton Energy helps farms and agricultural businesses like yours to harness solar power with the installation of 100% fully funded high-quality Solar PV and ground mount systems, utilising any space or land you may have.

We work with the world’s best-quality solar technology providers to create peace of mind for our clients.

Our premium solar solutions work together in a seamless, farm-friendly ecosystem that can handle a variety of climate, terrain, livestock, crop and other agriculture challenges.

Solar power solutions for businesses in farming and agriculture

Why choose solar?

In the past 12 months, energy bills have risen by a staggering 96%. With Solar PV, farm and agricultural businesses can reduce their energy bills by up to 25%.

Meet CSR objectives.

Solar power can produce substantial savings for your business.

You can work towards carbon net zero.

Show your environmental commitment to your supply chain.

Solar PV can help to futureproof your business.

Harness renewable, sustainable energy sources.

Why would agricultural businesses want to adopt solar?

Adopting solar energy offers agricultural businesses in the UK numerous benefits that extend beyond just financial savings. With the increasing unpredictability of energy prices, solar power provides a stable and cost-effective alternative, allowing farms to significantly reduce their electricity costs. This predictability is crucial for maintaining profitability in an industry often at the mercy of fluctuating market prices.

Beyond cost savings, solar energy represents a sustainable choice that aligns with the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices. By adopting solar, farms can reduce their carbon footprint, promoting their commitment to sustainability and appealing to eco-conscious customers and retailers.

Additionally, government incentives, such as the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), offer further financial benefits by allowing farms to sell excess energy back to the grid. This not only enhances revenue but also supports the broader transition to renewable energy.

Furthermore, solar panels require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan, making them a sound long- term investment.

For agricultural businesses seeking to future-proof their operations, enhance their brand reputation, and achieve energy independence, adopting solar power is a strategic move that combines financial, environmental, and market advantages.

Agriculture was one of the first industries to adopt solar power systems, driven by economic incentives, including our exclusive Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).

What is a Power Purchase Agreement?

Businesses can switch effortlessly to low-cost, green solar energy without any upfront costs with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

We are co-owned by Lazard Investment, a global investment firm and bank, and have allocated £250m of funding for commercial renewable projects. This investment in Shawton Energy demonstrates our standing in the market and with over 100 projects completed to date across various sectors we are in a great position to help more businesses transition to greener, cheaper energy.

Our PPA helps businesses transition to generating green energy through technologies such as solar, but with zero upfront investment or ongoing operational costs.

We design, install, operate and maintain the solar project through a long term contract ranging from 15- 25 years in length and you agree to buy the energy produced by the solar assets at a secured, fixed price throughout the contract which is much lower than what you would buy off the grid.

We continue to operate and maintain the project once it has gone live through both remote analysis of the project and physical inspections on a annual basis to ensure that the solar is creating as much energy as possible.

At the end of the contract term we hand the solar across to you and will continue to produce free solar energy for years to come.

Funding solutions for farming and agriculture solar power projects

How does the Power Purchase Agreement Process Work?

If your energy usage and roof/ground space meet specific criteria, you can benefit from free solar PV installation financed by us through a PPA. Once we have confirmed your eligibility, we’ll partner with you to get to know you and your facility’s energy consumption.

This is part of our five-step approach, beginning with an initial meeting, a desktop feasibility study and then a technical site visit. Once we’ve assessed your rooftop for solar suitability, we create a proposal based on your consumption, showing a detailed projection of your cost & carbon savings over the course of the PPA.

Our Initial 5 Step Approach

power purchase agreement process for businesses in farming and agriculture

Why would you choose a Power Purchase Agreement with Shawton Energy?

You keep the capital in your business and invest in other projects whilst still enjoying 100% renewable energy

Your savings are immediate with no off-setting of high set-up costs

The assets sit on Shawton Energy’s balance sheet and not yours

You don’t have to worry about the ongoing maintenance or operation of the solar assets

You are less vulnerable to the volatility of grid prices for a percentage of your energy demand

You buy the energy produced by the Solar PV at an agreed price for the duration of the contract. If the sun doesn’t shine or the assets are not working then you will not pay for the energy

You enter into a long term partnership with a trusted energy partner

Case Study

Our client, a leading farming and agricultural firm in the heart of the English countryside, wanted to future proof their business and show their commitment to the environment by installing a Solar PV system.

In a bid to reduce the company’s annual energy bills, Shawton Energy was commissioned to install a solar system on a number of their buildings at their main farm site.

The Process

The initial site surveys and proposals had to take into account that the client’s land is used 24/7, and as such, facility, health and safety, logistics, and access were discussed and agreed upon.

As part of this detailed process, complete pre and construction-phase health and safety plans were produced and provided to the client to ensure the practicality and long-term functionality of the install.

Before installation, a full site compound, scaffold access, and handrails were introduced to provide our experienced team with safe access to all working areas. We then began installing a total of 589 PV modules on several roofs.

The works took just four weeks from start to completion and were carried out with no disruption to the business’ day-to-day operations.

The company is now generating its own renewable energy with its state-of-the-art Solar PV system, and it’s estimated that the solar installation will help the business achieve savings of £1.2 Million on their energy bills over 25 years

4

Weeks Installation Time

43,220

kg Of Carbon Saved Annually

1.2M

Money Saved On Electricity Bills In 25 Years

220

kWp Solar PV System Size

FAQs

Will my livestock be safe?

To ensure the safety of your property and livestock in case of an emergency, our technology includes an extensive list of safety features, including SafeDCTM. This built-in module-level safety technology minimises the risk of electrocution. Whenever the grid is down, the inverter is shut down during maintenance or due to an emergency, the system automatically switches to safety mode, whereby the output voltage of each module is reduced to a touch-safe 1V to maintain string voltage below risk levels.

Do I need planning permission?

Smaller projects no longer need planning permission if it is on the roof. It will just need permitted development applications made, and we do all of this on your behalf. Ground mount you will.

Do you do projects throughout the UK?

Yes, we do projects from Scotland to the south coast. The sun’s intensity does vary throughout the UK, however we have many projects in Scotland and the north of the UK that still has great commercial
and carbon savings.

Will the installation of solar panels disrupt my farm?

No. Our team will ensure your business’s day-to-day operations are not disrupted and ensure your employees and fans do not have an inferior experience at your site.

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