According to the latest surveys, agriculture's contribution to the UK's economy was £13.9 billion (0.6% of GDP) in 2022. The United Kingdom prioritises agriculture as much as it values its industrial ecosystem. However, just like in the industrial landscape, sustainable energy sources are also essential for farms. Fortunately, solar energy has become a big name in the energy biosphere, and farms use it to reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on the grid. How are commercial solar PV installers in the UK helping to revolutionise agriculture? This article explores the scope and perks of solar energy in agriculture vividly.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/agriculture-in-the-united-kingdom-2022/summary.
#1 Energy Independence
In conventional farming, several energy-intensive processes require electricity for their operation. These include:
- Powering the irrigation systems is essential in areas with limited rainfall or during dry seasons.
- Crop drying and processing to reduce moisture and prevent spoilage.
- Climate control in the greenhouse for maintaining optimal temperature, humidity and lighting levels
- Livestock housing and management with electric heating, lighting, ventilation and water pumping systems
- Refrigeration and cold storage for perishable goods
- Modern agricultural machinery, such as harvesters, tractors and tillage implements.
Traditional farming methods heavily rely on non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, to carry out these activities. However, by integrating solar panels into their operations, farmers can harness the sun's power to meet their energy needs and reduce their dependency on finite resources with a more predictable and stable energy supply.
#2 Cost Savings
Although installing solar panels require an initial investment, it can lead to significant cost savings for farmers in the long run. Solar panels can generate electricity that can power different farm operations, reducing reliance on grid electricity and fossil fuels. By switching to solar energy, farmers can lower their energy bills and operational costs and improve their overall profitability.
#3 Better Sustainability
Solar energy is inherently sustainable, as it generates electricity without emitting harmful greenhouse gases or pollutants. When solar panels are used to power agricultural infrastructures, they can significantly reduce the carbon footprint and mitigate climate change. In addition, solar panels have a relatively low environmental impact compared to other forms of energy generation, making them an environmentally friendly choice for agricultural operations.
#4 Diversification of Income Streams
In addition to producing crops and livestock, farms can generate income by producing solar energy. Through schemes such as the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) or the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), farmers can sell excess electricity generated by their solar panels back to the grid or directly to energy suppliers. This additional revenue stream can help farms diversify their income sources and improve financial resilience, especially during market volatility.
#5 Improved Land Use Efficiency
Solar panels can be installed on various types of land, including rooftops, unused fields, or even as canopy systems above crops. This flexibility allows farmers to use available land resources efficiently without compromising agricultural productivity.
Conclusion
Integrating solar energy in agriculture can be an excellent alternative to conventional non-renewable energy methods. As the world faces the grave challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, commercial solar PV installation can help build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector with a consciously positive impact on a global scale.
