UK farms face rising energy costs and pressure to reduce carbon emissions. Absolar partnered with Belcher Farms’ Newlands and Grange sites to deliver a 137 kWp rooftop solar system, helping offset over 80% of on-site electricity, saving around £27,000 per year, and cutting 34 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Across the UK, farmers are grappling with rising electricity costs and increasing pressure to cut emissions. From livestock barns and milking parlours to crop storage facilities, modern agriculture relies heavily on power — and bills are climbing year after year.
For many farms, solar energy now offers a practical and cost-effective way to take control of energy use. By generating their own electricity, farms can reduce exposure to volatile energy prices while contributing to national net-zero goals.
Farms are uniquely well-suited to solar installations. With large roof spaces on barns and outbuildings, consistent daytime electricity use, and long investment horizons, solar PV systems can deliver significant long-term value.
Solar power also offers resilience. Even during market fluctuations or supply issues, farms with solar maintain stable energy costs — protecting essential operations like refrigeration, irrigation, and machinery.
Absolar partnered with Belcher Farms, a mixed-use agricultural business operating several sites across the south of England. After conducting a remote solar assessment, two prime sites were identified for installation: Newlands Farm and Grange Farm.
The resulting 137 kWp solar PV system — featuring 305 Tier 1 JA Solar panels and Solis inverters — now meets over 80% of the farms’ combined electricity demand. That translates to around £27,000 in annual savings and a reduction of 34.4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
“We wanted to help farmers take control of energy costs — not just for the bottom line, but to be part of the climate solution.”
— Jen Varghese, Project Liaison, Absolar
Using Absolar’s Remote Solar Assessment platform, engineers quickly analysed multiple sites across the Belcher Farms portfolio to pinpoint the best opportunities. Newlands and Grange Farms were chosen based on energy intensity, roof suitability, and potential payback.
System highlights:
The project was completed in just four weeks, following design, survey, and commissioning phases that began in late 2024.
While the cost savings are substantial, Belcher Farms also saw solar as a long-term investment in sustainability and independence. Absolar helped secure a preferential export tariff, allowing surplus summer energy to offset winter demand — improving ROI and energy stability year-round.
“Renewables like solar give farmers the chance to cut costs, reduce emissions and become more resilient — it’s a win-win for the farm and the planet.”
— Minette Batters, NFU President
While the energy savings and projected payback period of under five years are compelling, the project is also seen as a broader statement of intent by Belcher Farms.
“Many farms across the UK have energy costs climbing year after year,” said project liaison Jen Varghese. “We wanted to help farmers take control of that, not just for the bottom line, but to be part of the solution on climate.”
Absolar secured a preferential export tariff for the farm group, ensuring that surplus summer generation contributes to winter energy bills — further improving financial returns.
The Belcher Farms installation demonstrates how solar energy can align perfectly with agricultural operations — delivering financial, environmental, and operational resilience.
As energy costs continue to rise, more British farms are exploring on-site solar generation for barns, dairies, and processing facilities. Absolar’s data-driven approach — from remote analysis to project delivery — makes it easier for farms to identify opportunities and act with confidence.
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Absolar helps agricultural businesses reduce energy bills and emissions with smart, data-led solar design. Using AI-powered remote assessment tools, we can show how much your farm could save — before any on-site visit.
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