Andrew Freeth, SolarFieldsUK's CEO, says, "Government-led incentive schemes for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) offer a financial investment opportunity for farmers and other businesses. This is the first of several Solar PV systems that SolarFieldsUK is installing for farmers. This particular install is a 150Kw roof-mounted array on two chicken sheds on a farm in mid-Wales."
Permitted development rights allow for installation of a solar PV system on commercial property without the need for planning permission. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) level D requirement for solar PV installations does not apply to farm buildings that are not heated or cooled.
Andrew Freeth says, "We have the technology to harvest the natural energy of the sun in the UK. Energy can be generated efficiently even on cloudy days, and freezing temperatures, almost anywhere in the UK."
A recent Department of Energy & Climate Change (DEEC) survey showed the contribution of renewables to gross electricity consumption increased by 2.0% to 10.8% in 2012. However, as Andrew Freeth remarks, "The government is still a long way from its 2020 target of 20 gigawatts." He adds, "Installing a solar PV system means farmers can become an independent supplier of clean, green electricity for their own use, and for export to the grid. Actual savings are subject to a sites energy use, but normally these can be modified slightly to try to use the generated energy more effectively.
"Izen, our EPC partners, completed this job by using windows available during the rotation periods for this type of chicken-rearing business. The install was kept on schedule with Western Powers timely assistance and punctual supply."
SolarfieldsUK has 37 additional sites at various stages of advancement in planning and DNO application. The company offers finance up to 100%, subject to status.
Andrew Freeth concludes, "The business in mid-Wales will now benefit from energy used locally at the point of generation. Unused energy can be exported back to the grid, and the farmer will be paid rent for the roof space or the land. Businesses that install a solar installation can claim 100% of the cost of the installation against their taxable profit up to their Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)."
SolarFieldsUK undertakes 10 kW 100 MW projects, and can provide a guaranteed yield for each project. We can provide total solutions from design to implementation, of solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and heat pump systems.
