Yorkshire farms ‘reap the benefits’ of solar harvest amid renewable energy switch

Farms across Yorkshire are embracing renewable energy and installing solar PV panel systems to help power their operations.

In the last six months alone, Yorkshire based cleantech company Green Building Renewables has installed over 500kW of solar systems at more than 15 farms across North Yorkshire and the East Coast out of its Scarborough office.

In a concentrated move towards sustainable agriculture, more than 10 working farms, as well as former farms which have been converted to commercial operations like holiday complexes and manufacturers, have taken a step to reduce their energy bills, dependence on the grid, and carbon footprint by installing solar panel and battery storage systems.

Farm buildings, as well as farmland, are ideally suited for solar panel installations with both roof and ground mounted systems possible due to the amount of space often available on farms. Investing in solar panels can offer substantial financial benefits for farms.

Not only do they reduce energy bills, but they can also generate income through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), an incentive which provides financial rewards for generating renewable electricity and exporting excess power back to the grid.

Additionally, solar battery storage systems allow farms to store excess energy during sunny periods and utilise it during high demand, further maximising savings.

Peter Southwell of Southwell and Knapton in Sancton, York, who recently installed solar PV systems on two farms in Sancton and Beverley, commented: “We needed to future proof our business from the current and future energy crises.

“Investing in renewables has allowed us to do this as well reducing our carbon footprint on the farm, which will be increasingly important as we move towards net zero.”

“The energy price crisis has dramatically impacted farms over the region and country in the last eighteen months. Installing solar panels allows us to lower our energy bills and be less reliant upon the grid.”

June 2023 was the warmest on record in the UK, and hot summers are predicted to be even more frequent. Solar energy, therefore, has the potential to harness even more power for farmers and farms over the summer when their energy usage and costs are high.

The farms, known for their dedication to responsible farming practices, have recognised the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources. By embracing solar power, they are reducing their reliance on traditional fossil fuels and promoting cleaner air and a healthier ecosystem within the region.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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