Farmers set to cash in on solar PV!

If there’s a group that will benefit the most from renewable energy, then it will be farmers!

Firstly, we have large land based developments of solar PV where a farmer can earn a significant amount of money for leasing the land.

We also have the potential for anaerobic digestion/biogas etc.

But, as interest wanes on the land based installations, attentions should be turned to the idea of installing solar PV panels to barns and outbuildings.

There are several advantages for both the farmer and the installer/investor:

Unlike many commercial buildings where you have the issues of tenant/landlord agreements, dealing with FD’s/MD’s, the future use of the building (will it be extended upwards, for example) etc. etc.

With farmers, you don’t tend to have those issues?

So, what’s on offer to the farmer?

1). Roof rental options – An investor pays for the installation, whilst the roof owner (typically) makes the savings on the electricity generated that is used on site

2). Finance options – The farmer borrows the money, with the FIT/export payments, and savings on electricity servicing the loan.

3). Pay for the installation in full, out of your own pocket!

With year one returns usually in excess of 10%, index linked and guaranteed for 25 years, many farmers are seeing this as a mini “pension fund”.

As independent renewable energy consultants, Viridis can advise farmers on the best options available, provide brokerage, and assist with finance/funding.

If you would like to discuss this further, then contact Viridis on 0845 437 4484, or email info@viridisec.co.uk.

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