Solar Power for Agriculture: Cramble Cross Farm
Client
Cramble Cross Farm
Sector
Farms
Technology
Solar PV
System Size
160kWp
Estimated Annual Output
145,993 kWh
Payback Period
5.8 Years
25 Year Net Profit
£ 606,885
Annual Carbon Savings
67,075 kg CO₂/year
Excel Energy is an approved partner with many manufacturers each offering long term warranties and proven reliability
DMEGC Solar Panels:
25 Years
GoodWe Hybrid Inverters:
10 Years
Tesvolt TV HV 50 Batteries
10 Years
GridImp Energy Controller
5 Years
Roof Mounting System:
10 Years
Workmanship:
5 Years
Meeting Energy Demands with Solar Energy for Poultry Farms
Running a poultry farm in Yorkshire and nearby areas brings increasing operational challenges. Rising energy costs, stricter environmental rules, and the need for constant climate control have made electricity one of the largest and most unpredictable expenses for farming operations.
Heating, ventilation, and lighting systems need to run all the time to meet animal welfare standards and keep productivity high. For farm owners, estate managers, and large farm tenants, being energy resilient and managing costs are crucial.
Using solar PV for farms and agricultural solar solutions is a practical, long-term option to lessen reliance on the National Grid and manage running costs.
The Challenge: Managing Energy for High-Demand Farms
Cramble Cross Farm started with a 100kWp solar PV system. While it generated some electricity on-site, it could not meet the high energy needs of the poultry sheds. Having plenty of roof space and good solar potential was not enough for energy independence.
Many farms in Yorkshire and across the UK face similar issues. Poultry, dairy, and crop farms often use a lot of electricity during the day. Without energy storage, any extra solar power generated is wasted. This limits savings and reduces flexibility in operations.
The farm required a better solution to increase self-consumption, enhance energy stability, and lower the risk of rising energy costs. Excel Energy provided an agri solar system with battery storage technology to achieve these goals.
The Solution: Agri Solar System and Battery Storage
Excel Energy designed and installed a 160kWp solar PV for farms system with a 160kWh battery storage farm to maximise energy efficiency and provide operational flexibility. The installation included:
352 DMEGC DM455 solar modules mounted on south-west facing poultry shed roofs, covering 705m².
4 GoodWe GW29.9K-ET inverters to convert DC electricity into AC power efficiently.
4 TESVOLT TV HV 50 batteries for storing surplus energy to use outside solar production hours.
GridImp energy controller for precise management of charging and discharging cycles.
This agricultural solar solution allows the farm to use solar energy when it is most needed, including at night. It reduces reliance on the grid, protects the farm from energy price fluctuations, and helps to control operating costs.
For agricultural operations such poultry and dairy farms to large arable and fruit producing estates, this type of solar power for agriculture ensures reliable, predictable energy supply while improving sustainability.
Agri Solar System Performance Highlights
The integrated solar panels for agricultural buildings and battery storage system delivers measurable benefits:
Annual Generation: 145,993 kWh
Direct On-Site Consumption: 96,649 kWh
Solar Fraction: 42.4%
Self-Consumption Rate: 66.2%
Carbon Savings: 67,075 kg CO₂ annually
Electricity Production Costs: £0.0571/kWh
Payback Period: 5 years, 8 months
25-Year Net Profit: £790,285
Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 19.41%
This demonstrates that solar energy for poultry farms and integrated agri solar systems are not only environmentally responsible but also a practical investment in controlling operating costs and boosting long-term profitability.
Unlocking the Value of Agricultural Roof Space
Farms, especially poultry, dairy, and crop operations, have large, open roof areas that are perfect for solar panels. Peak electricity demand happens during daylight, so using solar panels on agricultural buildings is a smart choice.
By combining solar panels for farms in the UK with battery storage technology, extra energy can be saved for use during peak demand or at night. This cuts down on grid usage, controls operating costs, and gives estate managers and farm tenants financial stability.
Installing solar systems on existing roofs can greatly boost operational efficiency and help meet environmental goals. This makes renewable energy a sensible business choice for farms throughout Yorkshire and the UK.
Why Choose Excel Energy for Agricultural Solar Solutions
Excel Energy provides compliant, scalable solar PV solutions for farms, including poultry farms across the UK. Our team handles the entire process, from site surveys and MCS-compliant design to planning, installation, commissioning, and ongoing monitoring.
We maintain high standards and hold certifications such as NAPIT, MCS, RECC, Flexi-Orb, TrustMark, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 14068-1, ISO 45001, and BS 7671.
Our vendor-independent approach ensures that each farm gets the right equipment for its energy needs. We also offer extended warranties, including a 5-year workmanship warranty, along with complete remote monitoring to safeguard both performance and financial investment.
Future-Proofing Farms Across Yorkshire and the UK
Cramble Cross poultry farm in North Yorkshire shows that solar panels for farms in the UK, along with battery storage technology, is a good way to manage running costs, improve energy resilience, and support sustainability.
For agricultural businesses, farm estate managers, and large farm tenants, solar PV systems and integrated solar solutions provide practical, long-term ways to lower energy costs, stabilize operational expenses, and meet environmental goals.
By using solar panels on agricultural buildings and battery storage systems, farms can make the most of their resources, protect themselves against rising energy prices, and create a sustainable, energy-independent future.
Excel Energy works with farms across Yorkshire and the UK to provide tailored solar power solutions that are practical, affordable, and suited to the specific needs of modern farming.
Transform Your Farm with Solar PV And Battery Storage
Harness the benefits of renewable energy with solar solutions and battery storage for farms. Excel Energy designs, installs, and monitors systems built for the specific energy needs of today’s farms.
Contact us today by filling out our simple form to discover a solution that lowers costs, boosts energy independence, and protects your farm’s future.