Reliable Solar Panels on Farm Buildings: Stowford Manor Farm Solar Project
Client
Stowford Manor Farm
Sector
Agriculture
Technology
Solar PV
System Size
135kWp
Estimated Annual Output
131.49 MWh
Payback Period
4.9 Years
Return On Investment
26.5%
Annual Carbon Savings
29.07T
Excel Energy partners with Leading manufacturers offering proven reliability and long term warranties
REC Solar Panels:
25 Years
SolarEdge Inverter:
20 Years
Inepro 380 meters
5 Years
Watt Node meters
5 Years
Roof mounting system:
25 Years
Workmanship:
5 Years
Investing in Solar PV for Farms
With energy costs rising and sustainability becoming a key priority, Stowford Manor Farm decided to invest in solar panels on farm buildings and barns. The goal was clear: reduce energy bills, improve efficiency, and demonstrate environmental responsibility to visitors, school groups, and the wider community.
The farm chose to install solar panels across multiple structures and farmland areas to maximise electricity generation without impacting productive agricultural space. This approach allows the farm to continue traditional farming activities while generating clean energy.
By incorporating solar PV for farms, the farm can store and manage energy usage more effectively, ensuring that peak demands are met during busy periods at the café, campsite, and other facilities.
About Stowford Manor Farm
Stowford Manor Farm is a family-run farm with a wide range of activities:
✅ Agriculture: Arable crops and livestock
✅ Leisure & Tourism: Campsite, swimming club, café serving cream teas and pizzas
✅ Education: Farm school and visits for students
✅ Arts & Workshops: Studios and creative spaces
The campsite is busy during summer months, and visitors are encouraged to book online in advance. The farm combines traditional farming with education and leisure, making it a unique multi-use farm.
Excel Energy: Your Solar PV Partner
To deliver this project, Stowford Manor Farm worked with Excel Energy, a UK solar company specialising in commercial solar PV installations across the South West and beyond.
✅ Over 30 years of combined experience
✅ Complete turnkey solutions: consultation, design, installation, monitoring, and maintenance
✅ Accredited: NAPIT, MCS, RECC, Flexi-Orb, TrustMark, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, BS7671
Excel Energy ensures every solar PV system is designed to be reliable, efficient, and long-lasting.
Project Details: Solar Panels on Barns and Farm Buildings
The Stowford Manor Farm solar project included the installation of a 135kWp solar PV system across farm buildings, barns. The system was designed to balance energy production with storage, using 78kWh of battery storage to provide electricity when it is most needed.
Benefits of Solar Panels on Farms
The solar PV system has already made a tangible difference at Stowford Manor Farm:
Reduced Electricity Costs – Produces a significant portion of the farm’s energy.
Efficient Energy Use – Stored electricity is available during high-demand periods.
Cleaner Operations – Reduces carbon emissions and supports sustainability.
Educational Opportunities – Visitors and school groups can see renewable energy in action.
Long-Term Reliability – Designed to provide decades of stable energy production.
The Solar Panels on Farm Buildings Installation Process
Site Assessment:
✅ Excel Energy conducted a thorough survey of Stowford Manor Farm
✅ Identified optimal locations for solar panels on farm buildings and barns
✅ Considered roof orientation, shading, and structural integrity for efficiency and longevity
Installation Phase:
✅ Mounted panels using K2 Systems kits
✅ Integrated SolarEdge and Sigenergy inverters and batteries
✅ Connected optimisers to each panel
Minimising Disruption:
✅ Work scheduled to avoid interfering with the campsite, café, and educational programs
Safety & Quality:
✅ All components installed according to industry standards
✅ Delivered a reliable, durable solar PV system designed to provide clean energy for decades
Impact and Results
Since completion, the solar PV system has transformed energy management at Stowford Manor Farm:
Lower Electricity Bills – The farm now generates much of its own electricity.
Efficient Energy Storage – Batteries store excess energy for use during busy periods.
Environmentally Friendly Operations – Carbon emissions have been significantly reduced.
Community and Educational Value – Visitors and students can see renewable energy in action.
Long-Term Reliability – The high-quality system ensures stable energy output for the future.
Why Other Farms Should Consider Solar Panels
The Stowford Manor Farm project shows how practical and effective solar PV for farms can be. Installing solar panels on barns, farm buildings, or farmland can:
✅ Reduce energy costs
✅ Improve sustainability
✅ Provide reliable electricity
✅ Offer educational and community value
Partnering with a trusted nationwide solar company offering local service ensures a smooth installation process and a system built to last.
Solar Panels on Farms Final Thoughts
To sum up, the Stowford Manor Farm solar project demonstrates the benefits of solar panels on farm buildings, barns, and farmland. The 135kWp system, combined with 78kWh of battery storage, provides reliable, cost-effective energy while supporting sustainability and community education.
For farms across the UK considering solar PV, Stowford Manor Farm is a model of what can be achieved with careful planning and the right solar partner.
Interested in solar panels for your farm?
Contact Excel Energy today to discuss how solar PV can reduce your energy costs and support long-term sustainability.