Client Overview

Belcher Farms operates several agricultural sites across the region, including Newlands Farm and Grange Farm — both mixed-use sites with high year-round energy demands from livestock operations, machinery, and tenant use. Like many farms, these sites were facing mounting pressure from rising electricity prices and other economic challenges.

The Challenge

The client sought a long-term energy solution that would:

• Offset rising electricity costs
• Improve energy resilience and monitoring
• Align with the family’s environmental values
• Support broader sustainability objectives across the estate

Project Objectives

The goal was to reduce energy costs at Newlands and Grange Farm and generate a seasonal energy surplus during summer months. Exported energy would provide a revenue stream to offset higher consumption in winter.

Absolar conducted remote assessments across four farm sites. Newlands and Grange Farms were prioritised due to their high energy usage and suitability for solar.

Solution Design

Absolar’s Remote Solar Assessment platform enabled rapid, accurate reviews of each site. Tailored system designs were developed for both farms, focusing on maximum self-consumption with the ability to export surplus energy under a preferential tariff secured by Absolar.

System highlights:

• 305 JA Solar low-carbon panels (totaling 137 kWp)
• Solis inverters with energy managers and 4G connectivity for full monitoring and export control
• K2 mounting systems, structurally integrated and rooftop sealed
• Special precautions taken to safeguard skylights and livestock areas

Delivery Timeline

• Q4 2024: Remote survey and technical feasibility
• Late 2024: Site inspections and design finalisation
• Q1 2025: Contracting and procurement
• May 2025: Installation completed and commissioned within 4 weeks

Non-Financial Impact

This project is part of a broader shift toward sustainability at Belcher Farms. In addition to financial savings, the system enhances the farm’s environmental credentials and reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship of the land for future generations.

Looking Ahead

Following the success at Newlands and Grange Farms, Belcher Farms and Absolar are already working on similar installations across other parts of their farm estate, as well as with other family owned farms, particularly in the Dairy farming sector due to the consistent high energy demand.

Key Learnings & Best Practice

• Plan for the portfolio, not just the project: Taking a multi-site view early on helps prioritise the right installations.
• Design with livestock and operations in mind: Small adaptations, such as inverter placement and roof access planning, can avoid major issues down the line, especially where there is the potential for livestock to come in close contact with energy infrastructure.
• Secure export rates early: Partnering with an energy expert like Absolar and our AbsolarCare service can help optimise financial returns.