How can agriculture benefit from renewable energy?

Agricultural businesses are often located in more remote areas and have traditionally always been at a disadvantage with regards to fuel costs, having to rely on expensive oil, LPG or electric heating.

Get paid for producing your own heat

The introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) changes this situation quite remarkably as agricultural businesses often have the storage space necessary for biomass fuels and the roof space for solar thermal installations.

With generous payments available for renewable energy systems, agricultural businesses can finally benefit from vastly reduced (in many cases free) fuel and escape the high fuel charges they have historically had to endure.

There are many renewable energy options now available, each with their own unique benefits and advantages.

Biomass and Solar Thermal are currently eligible for generous cash-back payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Solar PV is eligible for grants under the Feed In Tariff.

Not every type of renewable technology is suitable, so please choose an example from the menu on the left for more in-depth information.

Biomass for Agricultural Customers

Many commercial biomass boiler installations are eligible for direct payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

The RHI can give payback times on boiler installation of 2 - 2.5 years.

As the scheme lasts for 20 years, your business could effectively have free heating for over 17 years! In many cases you may even be left with a small surplus after buying fuel.

Solar Thermal for Agricultural Customers

Many commercial solar thermal installations are eligible for direct payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

The RHI can gives a payment for each kW of energy produced to heat water.

If you have  premises with hot water requirements, a solar thermal system could provide free hot water and a cash-back payment for up to 20 years.

Solar PV (electric) for Agricultural Customers

Generate free electricity and earn cash-back through the Feed in Tariff Scheme

• Solar panels fitted to the roof
• Generate free electricity for household use during the day
• Receive a payment for each unit of electricity generated
• All income is index linked and tax free
• Payments guaranteed for 25 years