Solar and Battery Storage Powers Cattle Operations at Hardwicke Farm
Client
Hardwicke Farm
Sector
Agriculture – Livestock
Technology
Solar PV + Battery Energy Storage System
System Size
30.6 kWp
Estimated Annual Output
31,195 kWh
Payback Period
6 years, 9 months
20 Year Net Profit
£69,608.22
Annual Carbon Savings
9,288 kg / year
Excel Energy is an approved partner with many manufacturers each offering long term warranties and proven reliability
Trina Solar Panels:
25 Years
Sigenergy 10kWh Hybrid Inverters:
10 Years
Inepro 380 meters
5 Years
Watt Node meters
5 Years
Roof mounting system:
25 Years
Workmanship:
5 Years
Introduction
Hardwicke Farm, a family-run cattle operation, faced the same energy dilemma affecting agricultural businesses across the UK: rising electricity costs and growing pressure to decarbonise operations across the beef supply chain. The solution? Invest in a robust, future-ready solar PV and battery system designed to reduce reliance on the grid, stabilise operating costs, and cut carbon emissions.
Objectives
- ✅ Significantly reduce energy costs
- ✅ Offset emissions linked to beef production
- ✅ Retain more on-site energy generation
- ✅ Enable future expansion of energy capacity
- ✅ Ensure long-term operational resilience
Solar and Battery Storage System Specification
The solar PV and battery storage installation was completed on a southeast-facing building, utilising a carefully engineered layout to maximise solar capture:
- ➡️ PV Panels: 68 × Trina Solar 450W Vertex S+ Dual Glass (N-type)
- ➡️ Surface Area Covered: 135.9 m² (southeast-facing)
- ➡️ Inverters: 2 × Sigenergy EC 10.0 SP
- ➡️ Battery Storage: 2 × Sigenstor EC10 + 2x 16.1 kWh BESS
- ➡️ DC Cabling: 98m of PV ultra-low-loss Doncaster cable due to extended string distance and the adverse environment
Despite a challenging 98-meter DC cable run, which required ultra-durable Doncaster cabling, the system was successfully integrated with minimal disruption to daily operations. Excel Energy provided a full turnkey service managing everything from planning and structural DNO work to installation, commissioning, and monitoring setup.
Smart Energy, Sustainable Agriculture
The new system was designed to maximise on-site energy use while limiting grid dependency. Approximately 52.1% of the farm’s electricity demand is now supplied directly through solar generation and battery storage, with only around 10% of excess power exported to the grid. The system helps Hardwicke Farm retain energy during off-peak periods, reducing exposure to volatile energy prices and enabling more predictable operational costs.
This aligns with the farm’s sustainability goals, delivering a carbon offset of 9,288 kg CO₂/year and positioning the site as a leader in low-impact livestock farming.
Performance and Environmental Impact
The installed PV and battery system at Hardwicke Farm is designed to generate an estimated 30,612 kWh annually. Of this, 16,098 kWh/year is consumed directly on-site through solar and battery power. A controlled feed-in limit of 6,227 kWh ensures grid export is kept to a minimum, with only 8,830 kWh/year being exported, allowing the farm to retain maximum energy for its own use.
This setup enables 51.6% of the system’s generation to be self-consumed, resulting in a CO₂ emissions reduction of 9,170 kg per year, a substantial step toward low-carbon agriculture.
Energy Consumption Breakdown:
- ✅ Total Farm Energy Demand: 33,519 kWh/year
- ✅ Supplied by Solar + Battery: 16,098 kWh/year
- ✅ Remaining Drawn from Grid: 17,420 kWh/year
- ✅ Solar Contribution (Solar Fraction): 48%
Financial Performance:
- ➡️ Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 15.09%
- ➡️ Payback Period: 6 years, 9 months
- ➡️ Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE): £0.0729 per kWh
Excel Energy: The Installation Partner Behind the Project
Excel Energy delivered a full turnkey solution, taking ownership of the entire project from feasibility through to final commissioning, even navigating the challenges of an unplanned DNO (Distribution Network Operator) application process.
Our commitment to MCS-certified practices and full transparency around cost and performance allowed the client to plan confidently from day one. This wasn’t just a solar install, it was a strategic investment in energy independence and future growth.
We deployed:
- ➡️ In-house engineering expertise to manage complex DC design
- ➡️ Planning and compliance support under tight regulatory conditions
- ➡️ Future-ready battery infrastructure designed for system expansion
- ➡️ Real-time monitoring capabilities for performance assurance
Compliance and Certification
Hardwicke Farm now benefits from a solution installed under some of the UK’s most stringent quality, environmental, and safety standards:
- ✅ ISO 9001 – Quality Management
- ✅ ISO 14001 – Environmental Responsibility
- ✅ ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety
- 🔄 Working towards ISO 14068 – Carbon Neutrality
Results & Outlook
This solar and battery storage system enables Hardwicke Farm to cover nearly 48% of its annual energy demand through solar, offsetting thousands in energy costs and paving the way for operational expansion. With a payback period under 7 years and significant environmental upside, the system is not only a practical win but a long-term strategic asset.
The integration of battery storage ensures that excess solar energy isn’t wasted and that the farm can operate efficiently even during peak demand or grid price spikes.
Hardwicke Farm is a strong example of how even traditional agricultural businesses can lead the charge in sustainable, resilient operations. With support from Excel Energy UK, the farm now enjoys predictable energy costs, environmental credibility, and future flexibility.
Whether you’re running a rural farm, an industrial warehouse, or a government facility, Excel Energy’s turnkey solar solutions deliver results you can measure and performance you can trust.
