Advanced Solar PV System for Church Farm, Oxhill
Client
Church Farm, Oxhill
Sector
Farms
Technology
Solar PV
System Size
76.38 kwp
Estimated Annual Output
77,096 kWh
Payback Period
7.9 Years
25 Year Net Profit
£195,975.94
Annual Carbon Savings
35,207 kg/Year
Excel Energy is an approved partner with many manufacturers each offering long term warranties and proven reliability
Longi Solar Panels
25 Years
Sigenergy Inverter
10 Years
Iskra 174 3phase meter
5 Years
Sigenergy Battery
10 Years
K2 Rail Roof mounting system
12 Years
Workmanship:
5 Years
Client Overview
Church Farm in Oxhill is a family-run livestock operation specialising in extensively reared, grass-fed lamb and beef, an approach grounded in sustainability, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility. This regenerative, low-input model supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and promotes natural carbon sequestration. However, it also presents unique operational energy demands: electric fencing across vast grazing areas, water pumps for remote pastures, cold storage for meat processing, and essential lighting all contribute to a steady and critical power load.
With energy costs climbing and tariff volatility squeezing margins, the farm recognised the need for a more resilient and cost-effective energy strategy. Having already invested in solar infrastructure, Church Farm sought to expand its solar power generation capacity and integrate battery storage system to boost self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on the grid, and further stabilise energy costs.
To stay aligned with its environmental values while improving operational resilience, the farm turned to Excel Energy for a scalable, future-proof solar panel solution. Since the upgrade, Church Farm has significantly increased its on-site energy usage, reduced reliance on grid electricity, and cut its carbon emissions by over 35,200 kg/Year annually, further reinforcing its commitment to climate-conscious farming.
Solar PV System Project Goals
✅ Reduce energy costs and exposure to market volatility
✅ Optimise the use of existing solar infrastructure while capitalising on the significant roof space available for system expansion.
✅ Maximise on-site consumption through battery storage
✅ Minimise carbon footprint in line with UK agricultural sustainability targets
✅ Future-proof the energy setup against rising demand from automation and technology use on the farm
✅ Achieve maximum self sufficiency
Solar Panel Solution Overview
Church Farm initially approached us to resolve persistent issues with their existing solar PV system, which had underperformed since installation. After identifying and rectifying the faults, we restored the solar energy system to full operational capacity. From there, the farm partnered with Excel Energy to design and implement a tailored solar PV upgrade, complete with intelligent battery energy storage system to meet rising energy demands and enhance on-site efficiency.
✅ Solar Panels Installed: 97 x Longi LRS-72 540M
✅ Incorporation of 80x Canadian 300wp panel into Hybrid DC coupled system
✅ PV Generator Surface Area: 125.2 m²
✅ Estimated Output Capacity: 76.38 kwp
✅ Battery Storage: 3 x Sigenstor EC20BAT (48.4 kWh total)
✅ Annual Yield: 1,035.17 kWh
Performance & Impact
✅ Total Annual Generation: 77,096 kWh
✅ Energy Consumed On-site: 49,628 kWh
✅ Surplus Exported to Grid: 27,468 kWh
✅ Farm’s Total Energy Demand: 65,036 kWh/year
✅ Level of Self-Sufficiency: 76.3%
✅ Own Power Consumption: 64.4%
✅ Annual CO₂ Savings: 35,207 kg/Year
This hybrid system ensures that power generated during peak daylight hours is stored and dispatched during high-load evening and early morning periods.
Economic Benefits
✅ Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 13.62%
✅ Amortisation Period: 7 years, 9 months
✅ Electricity Production Cost: £0.0466/kWh
✅ Long-Term Savings: Substantial reduction in grid electricity purchases, with additional revenue from exported energy
Excel Energy’s Involvement
From initial feasibility study to post-installation support, Excel Energy UK managed the entire project lifecycle:
Comprehensive site analysis and output modelling
System design compliant with MCS standards
High-efficiency hardware specification
Seamless integration with existing array
Full remote monitoring setup
Ongoing maintenance and support
Built to Industry Standards
Excel Energy’s installations are fully MCS-certified and developed in line with ISO 9001,14001 and 45001, Chas quality assurance standards. We are also actively working toward PAS 2060 (Carbon Neutrality), reinforcing our commitment to sustainable energy excellence.
Our partnerships with the solar industry’s top manufacturers ensure our clients receive cutting-edge technologies backed by robust warranties.
Sector Insight: The Farming Dilemma
Farms often face extremely high base loads and limited flexibility around when energy is used. Unlike some industries, farming operations can’t “pause” electricity use to avoid peak tariffs. That’s why combining solar generation with three-phase battery storage is a game changer, offering better control, load balancing, and grid independence without sacrificing operational uptime.
The Church Farm project is a textbook example of how smart solar investment can help UK farms beat the squeeze of high energy prices and carbon reduction pressure. With the expertise of Excel Energy, Church Farm now enjoys reliable, clean, and cost-effective power that aligns with both its operational goals and environmental responsibilities.
