Solar Panels for Farms: Reduce Costs, Power Growth, Cut Carbon
UK farms use a lot of electricity — but grid prices rise every year, making it harder to stay profitable. Solar panels provide a long-term energy fix because they reduce bills, boost sustainability, and increase farm value.
Commercial Solar UK designs and installs efficient solar systems for farms across the UK. With over 800 clients served and award-winning innovations, we help you cut costs while supporting clean energy goals.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Slash electricity costs by up to 60% – solar power costs just 4–6p per kWh compared to 25–30p from the grid
- Fast payback in 3–6 years, with returns of 20%+ per year and up to 40 years of system lifespan
- Government-backed savings – up to 50% off with tax allowances and grants through 2026
- Panels require no planning permission on most roofs and add property value
- Smart solar systems coming in 2025 could cut carbon emissions by 80%
Why Solar Works for Farms
Lower Electricity Costs
Solar panels generate electricity on-site and because solar energy is cheaper than grid power, farms save more as prices rise.
- Panels cost just 4–6p per unit
- Grid electricity costs 25–30p per unit
- Most farms break even in 3–6 years
- Returns often exceed 20% annually
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Solar panels replace fossil fuels this means farms cut carbon emissions dramatically.
- Robert Thomas Farms: 500+ tonnes CO₂ cut
- Bluebell Dairy: 47 tonnes CO₂ saved annually
- BeadaMoss: 80 tonnes CO₂ avoided each year
Reducing emissions helps farms meet UK sustainability targets while showing environmental leadership.
Increased Property Value
Solar panels will improve your EPC ratings. Higher ratings make buildings easier to sell or rent because buyers prefer properties with lower running costs.
Warehouses with solar sell for more because they combine efficiency with sustainability. They also show your farm is future-ready.
Government Grants and Tax Help for Farm Solar Panels
UK farms can save thousands when they add solar panels because the government offers grants and tax relief. These support schemes make solar more affordable, which helps farms lower bills and cut carbon.
Grants for Farm Solar in the UK
Farmers in England can apply for DEFRA-backed grants to cover solar costs.
Improving Farm Productivity Grant
- Pays for 25% of solar panel costs
- Run by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA)
- For roof-mounted solar only on farm buildings
- Grants range from £15,000 to £100,000
- Full applications due by 31 July 2025
This scheme funds clean energy systems because it helps farms cut emissions and lower energy bills.
Laying Hen Housing Grant
- Covers 25% of rooftop solar costs
- For egg farms with 1,000 or more hens
- Limited to 5kW of solar per 1,000 birds
- Total project grants from £15,000 to £500,000
- Apply by 28 April 2026
This grant helps poultry farms add clean power because solar reduces costs and supports better animal housing.
Tax Relief for Solar Panel Costs
Farms can claim big tax savings when they invest in solar.
- The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) allows farms to deduct 100% of solar costs from profits
- Farms can save up to 40% on total system costs
- A 50% First-Year Allowance is also available until March 2026
These savings apply because solar panels count as energy-saving equipment under UK tax rules.
Why This Matters
Grants and tax relief make solar panels more affordable because energy bills are rising and farms must meet net zero targets, these government schemes help farms save money and switch to clean power.
Our Solar Systems for Farms
We design systems that work around your buildings, land, and load needs — no one-size-fits-all kits.
Smart Design & Professional Installation
- Custom layouts for barns, sheds, and warehouses
- Roof checks, structural reviews, and legal compliance
- 1m border maintained for planning exemption
- Panels matched to pitch (10–15° optimal)
- No-hassle setup — installed quickly and safely
High Performance Panels Built for Farms
Our panels endure UK weather for 25+ years.
- Built with high-efficiency solar cells
- Require minimal maintenance
- Easy to clean with anti-soil coating
- Generate more power in less space
- Free up land for crops or livestock
Efficient Energy Systems with Real ROI
Smart systems convert solar into usable energy for tools, lights, heaters, and dryers.
- Grid fallback minimised
- Power costs reduced by 60–80%
- Extra energy can be sold back to the grid
- 20%+ annual ROI is common
Maintenance and Support That Lasts
We handle the system so you don’t have to.
- Full performance testing
- Regular maintenance plans
- 24/7 support and issue resolution
- Remote monitoring and software updates
- Panel cleaning to maintain peak output
Ready to Start?
Solar systems from Commercial Solar UK give farms clean, cost-effective power for decades.
- Save thousands per year
- Cut carbon
- Access grants and tax relief
- Increase property value
- Future proof your farm
Contact us today for a free quote and personalised solar plan.
FAQs
Can Farmers Get Grants for Solar Panels?
Yes, farmers can access grants for solar panels in the UK. Government schemes and local funding help reduce the upfront cost of agricultural solar panel systems because support for renewable energy encourages farm sustainability and lower carbon emissions. Grant eligibility and availability often depend on regional initiatives and changing government priorities.
Which Solar Panel Is Best for Farming?
Monocrystalline solar panels are often considered best for farming because they offer high efficiency and long lifespan, which means farms maximise power generation and reduce maintenance over time. The selection of the optimal panel type depends on specific farm energy needs, available space, and budget.
Can You Put Solar Panels on Farmland?
Yes, solar panels can be installed on farmland in the UK, as both ground-mounted and rooftop solar PV systems are widely accepted. Farmers choose solar for agricultural land because it reduces energy bills and provides a new income stream, while dual-use options like agrivoltaics enable continued crop production beneath the panels.
How Much Do Farmers Get Paid for Solar Panels?
Farmers earn from solar panels primarily by selling excess electricity back to the grid and cutting on-site energy costs, which increases farm profitability. Payments vary, but typical returns can range from £40,000 to £60,000 annually for a 1MW solar farm, depending on location, system size, and government tariffs.