Agricultural businesses are among the highest energy users in the UK — and among the most exposed to grid constraints. Novalux Solar has extensive experience designing solar PV systems specifically for farms, delivering reliable generation, strong payback and the option for off-grid or micro-grid operation on even the most remote rural sites.

Completed agricultural solar PV projects

Why farms and agricultural businesses choose solar PV

High energy demand, high savings potential

Poultry houses, grain driers, refrigeration, milking equipment and workshop machinery run for extended hours — often when grid electricity is at its most expensive. A well-designed solar PV system, sized to match your peak demand, can offset a significant proportion of this consumption directly.

Roof and ground mount options

Agricultural buildings — including portal frame sheds, dutch barns and livestock housing — typically offer large, unobstructed roof areas that are ideal for solar PV. Where roof mounting is not suitable, ground-mounted systems on unproductive land can provide equivalent generation without affecting working operations.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

For larger agricultural sites, Novalux Solar can structure a Power Purchase Agreement — allowing you to export surplus generation to the grid and earn ongoing income. This is particularly valuable for poultry and dairy operations with consistent year-round generation profiles.

Off-grid and micro-grid for remote sites

Many farm buildings are poorly served by the grid — with expensive connection upgrades or inadequate supply capacity. Novalux Solar’s off-grid and micro-grid solutions allow remote barns, irrigation pumps and outbuildings to run entirely on solar and battery storage, eliminating costly grid extension works.

Grid constraints on rural sites — solved

Grid upgrade costs and connection lead times are a major barrier for many agricultural businesses. Novalux Solar’s engineering team has extensive experience working with the relevant Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) — including SP Energy Networks, Western Power and National Grid — to design systems that maximise generation within existing connection limits or secure the most efficient grid upgrade pathway.

Solar PV for agricultural buildings — planning considerations

Most agricultural solar installations in England and Wales benefit from permitted development rights, meaning no formal planning application is required. Novalux Solar will confirm the permitted development position for your specific site as part of our initial assessment. Where planning permission is needed, our team provides full planning support.

Which farms benefit most from solar PV?

• Poultry houses and broiler sheds with ventilation and heating loads
• Dairy farms with milking, cooling and water heating demand
• Arable operations with grain drying and irrigation equipment
• Horticultural sites with glasshouse heating and lighting
• Estate farms with multiple buildings and high overall consumption
• Remote sites seeking off-grid energy independence