Heathlands Farm – Part of the Hall Hunter Partnership
Noble Green Energy has supported the Hall Hunter Partnership with further solar PV installations to Heathlands Farm, raising the site’s capacity to just over 1 MWp.
Heathlands Farm is part of the Hall Hunter Partnership, a family-owned agricultural business renowned for its sustainable farming practices. The business has made a significant step towards carbon neutrality by installing an additional 700 kWp ground-mounted solar PV system.
In October 2024, Heathlands Farm, located in Wokingham, Berkshire, approached Noble Green Energy to design and install a 700 kWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This initiative aligns with the growing trend among UK agricultural enterprises to adopt sustainable energy solutions, aiming to reduce operational costs and minimise environmental impact. With their existing systems, this raises the site’s generation capacity to just over 1 MWp.
Motivations
Heathlands Farm faced increasing energy costs and sought to reduce its carbon footprint in alignment with its environmentally friendly production aspirations. By integrating solar energy, the farm aimed to:
- Lower operational costs.
- Enhance energy independence.
- Meet consumer expectations for sustainable farming.
- Contribute to national renewable energy targets.
Project Overview
Installation Duration: Noble Green Energy completed the project during the six-week period from early October to mid-November 2024.
System Capacity: We expect the 702.7 kWp system to generate approximately 696 mWh of electricity annually, significantly offsetting the farm’s energy consumption.
Technology: The installation comprises premium-grade, high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels, and inverters to convert the generated DC electricity to AC for on-site use, with surplus exported to the grid.
Objectives
Energy Cost Reduction: By generating their own electricity, the client aims to decrease reliance on the grid, reducing energy expenses and the carbon footprint of their operation.
Environmental Stewardship: The solar PV system should reduce the farm’s carbon footprint by approximately 162 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Operational Efficiency: The renewable energy generated supports the farm’s operations, including irrigation systems, large cold stores, packing and processing equipment.
Implementation Process
Site Assessment: Noble Green Energy conducted a comprehensive evaluation with the client to determine the optimal location for the solar array, considering factors such as proximity to electrical connection, sunlight exposure, shading, and land topography.
Design and Local Authority Planning Consents: Noble Green Energy developed the design, with a view to maximising energy production within the space available, and in compliance with local authority planning requirements. This also involves concessions to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Construction: The installation involved mounting the solar panels on a steel structure. Specialist contractors assessed the ground conditions using a documented testing procedure; results of which allowed us to pile-drive the mounting frame directly onto the existing ground. The main benefit being no requirement for additional concrete or other construction materials, bringing significant financial and environmental savings.
Grid Connection: The site’s electrical supply needed to be uprated to accommodate the demands of the expanding site operations and the expected export from the on-site solar PV generation. SSE installed a new site transformer; this supplied a new main incoming switchboard in a new location. Coordination required careful planning to minimise business disruption.
Challenges and Solutions
Weather Conditions: Unseasonably wet weather during the installation period caused minor delays. To mitigate this, the project team adjusted work schedules to capitalise on favourable weather windows.
Outcomes and Benefits
Financial Savings: At current energy prices we would expect the new system to earn more than £100,000 per annum.
Sustainability Impact: The project contributes to the UK’s renewable energy targets and serves as a model for sustainable practices within the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
The solar PV installation has become a cornerstone of the Hall Hunter Partnership’s sustainability strategy. The farm’s ability to generate clean energy aligns with its organic farming ethos and strengthens its market position as an eco-conscious producer. Moreover, the financial savings and additional revenue have improved the farm’s profitability, enabling further investments in sustainable technologies.
The successful implementation of the 700 kWp ground-mounted solar PV system at Heathlands Farm underscores the viability and benefits of renewable energy adoption in agriculture. This project not only enhances the farm’s economic efficiency but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
If you would like to find out more about how Noble Green Energy can empower your business to save on energy costs and achieve your sustainability goals, get in touch: getintouch@noblegreenenergy.co.uk
System size installed
703 kWp
Energy generated
696,000 kWhs per annum
At current energy prices we would expect the new system to earn more than £100,000 per annum.
“I’m highly satisfied with Noble Green Energy, having engaged them for half a dozen rooftop solar energy systems over the past few years. Their commitment to excellence is evident from project initiation to completion. The precise design and professional installation have exceeded our expectations, providing sustainable energy and substantial cost savings. Due to the success of these projects, we have engaged them to look at the installation of over 2000kWp of Solar Energy Panels across two ground-mount solar PV systems at our Heathlands and Tuesley Farms.”
