How Agricultural Businesses in Ireland Can Benefit from Solar Energy

Ireland’s agricultural sector is the backbone of the country’s economy, contributing over €14 billion annually and supporting nearly 270,000 jobs across farms, food processing, and agribusiness. However, rising energy costs and sustainability regulations pose increasing challenges for farmers and agricultural enterprises.

Electricity costs in Ireland have increased by over 60% in the past decade, putting pressure on farms that rely on energy-intensive processes such as milking, irrigation, refrigeration, and feed preparation.

With the Irish government pushing toward 80% renewable electricity by 2030, now is the perfect time for agricultural businesses to invest in solar energy. By harnessing the power of Solar PV (Photovoltaic) systems, farms can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and contribute to Ireland’s sustainability goals.

1. Lower Operating Costs: Cut Energy Bills with Solar Power

Agriculture is one of the most energy-intensive industries, with farms requiring constant electricity for machinery, milking parlours, water pumps, and storage facilities. Solar PV systems can offset a significant portion of these costs by generating free electricity from the sun.

• Potential Savings: A typical 50kWp solar PV system can save a farm up to €10,000 per year on electricity bills
• Peak Production Matches Demand: Farms use the most energy during the day—when solar panels produce the most electricity—reducing reliance on the grid.
• Battery Storage: Excess solar energy can be stored and used when needed, ensuring round-the-clock energy efficiency.

With energy prices expected to rise further, switching to solar is an excellent way for farmers to lock in lower costs and improve long-term financial stability.

2. Meet Sustainability Goals & Enhance Your Farm’s Eco-Friendly Image

Sustainability is becoming a key focus for Irish agriculture, especially with climate action targets aimed at reducing carbon emissions from farming.

• Solar energy significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, helping farms comply with Ireland’s commitment to cut agricultural emissions by 25% by 2030.
• Consumers & Retailers Prefer Sustainable Suppliers: Supermarkets, food processors, and consumers increasingly favour suppliers with eco-friendly operations.
• Solar Energy Can Reduce a Farm’s Carbon Footprint by Over 10 Tonnes of CO₂ Per Year, depending on system size.

Adopting solar energy not only helps farmers meet environmental regulations but also enhances their brand image, making them more attractive to sustainable-conscious buyers and suppliers.

3. Government Grants for Farmers: Financial Support for Solar PV Installation

To encourage the adoption of renewable energy, the Irish government offers generous grants and incentives for farmers installing solar panels.

TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme

• Covers up to 60% of the cost of solar PV panels and battery storage for farms.
• Farmers can apply for funding of up to €90,000 per holding.
• Designed to reduce on-farm energy costs and promote sustainability.

SEAI Grants for Non-Domestic Microgeneration

• Available to agricultural businesses and commercial farms installing solar PV systems.
• Provides up to €162,500 in funding for eligible businesses generating their own renewable energy.

These financial supports make solar installations more affordable and help farmers see a faster return on investment (ROI), often within 3 years.

4. Increased Resilience: Energy Independence for Long-Term Security

The volatility of electricity prices in Ireland creates financial uncertainty for many farmers. By generating their own electricity, farms can protect themselves from price spikes and power outages.

• Stable Costs: Solar PV systems provide a predictable and stable source of electricity.
• Lower Risk of Supply Interruptions: Farms with battery storage can operate even during power outages, ensuring continuous operation of essential equipment.
• Export Excess Electricity: Farmers can now export up to 6kWh per hour single phase and 11kWh per hour three phase.

By investing in solar, Irish farmers reduce their reliance on utility providers and future-proof their business against rising costs.

5. Scalability: Tailored Solar Solutions for Any Farm Size

Whether you’re running a small family farm or a large commercial enterprise, solar PV systems are scalable to meet your energy needs and budget.

• Dairy Farms: High energy consumption for milking machines and refrigeration makes solar PV an ideal solution.
• Arable Farms: Solar energy can power irrigation systems, machinery, and storage facilities.
• Poultry & Livestock Farms: Solar panels can run ventilation systems, lighting, and feed distribution equipment, reducing reliance on the grid.

Farmers can start small and expand their solar systems over time, ensuring maximum efficiency as their energy demands grow.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Invest in Solar for Agriculture

With generous government grants, rising energy costs, and increasing sustainability expectations, now is the perfect time for Irish farmers and agribusinesses to invest in solar power.

By switching to Solar PV systems, farms can:

1. Cut energy costs by thousands per year
2. Reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainability targets
3. Benefit from government grants and incentives
4. Gain energy independence and future-proof their business
5. Increase farm profitability and efficiency

Curious about how solar energy can transform your agricultural business?

Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on solar PV systems for your farm!