How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels on My Farm?

At Noble Green Energy, we understand that expenditure is an important factor for any business and the cost of solar panels plays an important role in the decision-making process for your farm business or commercial site. We’ve collated all the information you need in one place, so you can answer your question, “How much does it cost to install solar panels?”

How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?

Roof or land size, the number of solar panels used and, of course, the quality of the system components all dictate how much it costs to install solar PV. First thing’s first, you should review your farm’s monthly energy bills and calculate your energy usage, plus how much you are charged per kilowatt (kW). From here, you will be able to determine the ideal system size for your site.

System Size	Average Cost
50kW	£40,000-£50,000
100kW	£75,000-£100,000
200kW	£175,000-£225,000
500kW	£350,000-450,000

These numbers will understandably continue to increase as the system size increases. For example, if you have 5 acres of land and require 1MWh of electricity, the fully installed cost for this will likely be in the region of £750,000, assuming the DNO doesn’t require significant upgrades to the electrical infrastructure in the area.

Generally, all solar farms and solar systems benefit from economies of scale so the larger the system, the lower the cost per watt produced. However, there are a number of factors that can prevent this from being a linear improvement, including orientation/azimuth of available space, potential upgrades to site electrical infrastructure, and potential grid-imposed costs and/or restrictions on the amount of energy that can be generated and/or exported.

The panels only form part of the product requirements for solar PV installation; the greater the number of solar panels installed, the more mounting kit, electrical wiring, optimisers and inverters will need to be installed. There will often be a requirement for a new distribution board and, for larger systems, an entire new electrical kiosk will need to be bespoke designed and installed.

On top of the material costs, you will also need to account for regulatory approvals, such as structural surveys, DNO application and upgrade fees, and planning permission (if required).

Every solar panel installer will be different, so it’s advisable to consult with a range of companies to find the best solution for the size of your installation and budget. Also, bear in mind their credentials and financial security to ensure your installation is protected for the long-term, rather than a cheaper option where the installers may not be around in a few years’ time. Contact us today to discuss your options.

What Other Costs Do I Need to Consider?

The costs above only relate to the initial solar panel installation; there are other cost considerations you need to take into account:

Maintenance

With regular maintenance, solar panels can last well over 40 years! Solar panel systems are still likely to be operating at well over 80% of initial performance over 25 years after initial installation. Fortunately, maintenance costs are much lower than material and installation costs, however they are still an expense you need to consider when purchasing.

This may require professional inspection every few years, regular light cleaning to remove dust and debris, replacement of the solar panel inverter and repairs for any accidents or issues.

At Noble Green Energy, we provide operation and maintenance packages where our experienced and qualified team deliver checks and annual visits alongside a comprehensive report of our findings and recommendations.

Other Considerations

• Energy storage
• Sunlight availability
• Land costs
• Insurance
• Admin costs
• Electricity costs
• Grid connection and Feed-In-Tariff costs
• Any costs associated with decommissioning

Although a solar PV installation can seem a daunting prospect, if you enlist a professional and experienced company, they will guide you through the complex process, advising, consulting and taking care of some of the more intimidating aspects. Get in touch with our experienced team to find out more about the offering at Noble Green Energy.

Read about agricultural solar PV installations.

How to Reduce Costs for Solar Panels

Although the initial costs may seem steep, the return on investments and savings in the long-term will more than compensate for this. The annual ROI for commercial solar PV is around 25-35% and the greater your percentage of self-consumption, the better and faster your returns.

By securing energy import and export contracts that align with your energy production and consumption patterns, you can gain the most from your solar PV investment. We’re here to help you find the best energy contracts to maximise your savings and returns, so get in touch with us today for expert advice and installation.