Over 80% of farms want solar PV on their roofs by 2013

PRESS RELEASE

7th December 2010

Over 80% of farms want solar PV on their roofs by 2013

A recent survey has found that 80% of farmers in the UK want to have solar photovoltaics on their roofs within the next three years. Carried out by Forum for the Future’s communications campaign, Farming Futures, and solar energy specialist, Solarcentury, the results prove farmers’ interest in generating clean electricity has soared following the Feed-in tariff (FIT). Recent publicity has centred on the popularity of solar photovoltaics in fields, however findings indicate just under 20% of farmers considering solar want it at this scale, the majority considering the technology for large farm buildings.

However, the survey showed a relatively poor understanding of how the Feed-in tariff worked and the incentives offered. Only 55.2% understood to what extent they could actually earn from the FIT; being paid for all electricity generated and consumed, as well as that exported. The remainder (25.4%) thought payment was only for generation, or export (19.4%).

The findings indicate a move towards solar on farm roofs, similar to Glastonbury Festival’s Michael Eavis who installed photovoltaics on his cow shed earlier this year. It reflects a wider trend across Europe, where the Feed-in tariff has been successful in encouraging farmers, amongst others, to diversify production with on-roof solar energy for a number of years, leading to energy efficiency and the reduction of grid electricity consumption. Conducted online and at Farming Futures events, the survey collected results from over 130 farmers across the country from September to November 2010.

 Dr. Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Advisor, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, National Farmers' Union said: "These findings certainly reflect what our members have been saying. Agricultural and horticultural buildings present ideal platforms for solar PV, and small-to-medium sized roof-mounted systems are likely to be an attractive investment. It's hugely encouraging to see our farming industry become stronger through the generation of power, and helping this country reduce its reliance on fossil fuels."

Madeleine Lewis, Farming Futures added: “This survey shows that on-farm building solar PV is likely to become commonplace in the not-too-distant future. We have seen a real appetite for investing in solar this year, and it’s great to see so many farmers recognising this opportunity to create an income and diversify – as well as contribute to developing a low carbon economy in the UK. Our recent events held to help farmers understand how to go solar have been hugely popular.”

Stephen Frankel, from Wadebridge, is one of the many farmers starting to go solar "We installed solar PV on our barn roof this year, and immediately starting saving on our bills and earning extra income thanks to the Feed-in tariff. Traditionally, farming revenue is quite seasonal, but now we’re making money by creating clean energy we have the peace of mind of another income, and we’re doing our bit reducing our carbon footprint. I’d recommend any farmer to consider this – our land brings us so much value, so why not our roofs?”

Derry Newman, CEO, Solarcentury said: “Sustainable farming is at the core of a healthy future for the UK, and its great to see farmers recognising the opportunity they now have with solar. Solarcentury has helped hundreds of commercial organisations and farmers across Europe go solar and we welcome the opportunity to now help UK farmers get maximum return from their property. Solar power is a sophisticated active industrial building product designed to work with business.”

The main findings of the survey are:

 88.1% of Farmers are currently considering renewables on their farm.
 Since the introduction of the FIT in April 2010, 83.2% of farmers have considered renewables; as the financial incentive secures a return on investment for 25 years.
 Of those considering renewables, an overwhelming 93.3% are interested in solar PV, with wind energy as the second choice.
 Of those who have already invested in renewables, only 28.6% have done so in PV; but 85.7% are now considering it.
 82.2% of farmers are considering solar PV (93.3% of those interested in renewables (88.1%))
 80.6% of those surveyed are considering solar on a roof.
 89.8% of those interested in investing in renewables are planning to do so within the next two years, which would enable them to take advantage of the FIT.
 However, only 55.2% understood to what extent they could actually earn from the FIT; being paid for all electricity generated and consumed, as well as that exported. The remainder (25.4%) thought payment was only for generation, or export (19.4%).

The space needed for a medium-sized farm solar roof (60 kWp) is around 400-500 m2. A typical 60kWp system produces 51,000 units of electricity a year which would meet most of the on-site power demands of an average farm. The capital cost of such a system is presently roughly £170,000 to 200,000.

Farmers can earn in the region of £16,000 income a year, saving over £1,800 in electricity bills, with income and savings anticipated to be more than £465,000 over 25 years. This is due to the preferable rate set for the Feed-in tariff of 31.4p paid for each unit of electricity generated. The solar power helps future-proof against rising electricity prices, which is crucial for power intensive farming. With the best rates only available for those installing solar in the next few years in the UK, farmers are now active in introducing renewable energy to their businesses.

-ENDS-

Further Information:
Charlotte Webster, PR Manager, Solarcentury
Charlotte.webster@solarcentury.com
0207 8030148 / 07990 583307
 
Notes to Editors:
1. The annual income and savings breakdown is £16,014 for generated electricity, £765 for exported electricity and £1,845 for savings on electricity bills; totalling £20,094 per year for the average agricultural roof.
The income figure is based on a 60 kWp system generating 51,000 units (kilowatt hours (kWh)) of electricity a year, assuming that for every kWp of PV installed, you will generate 850 kWh a year, and applying the generation tariff of 31.4p per unit. The tariff is index linked, and applies to commercial solar power installations between 10 and 100 kWp capacity. The figure also assumes that on average you will consume 50% of the solar electricity in the property and export the remainder earning 3p for each unit exported and energy savings of 9p per unit rising 6% per annum. This is a national average, which assumes a south facing pitch of 30 – 40 degrees, with no shading.
2. Units produced per kWp based on DECC and EST approved typical generation figure of 850kWh per kWp.

About Solarcentury
Solarcentury is one of Europe's fastest growing and most innovative solar photovoltaics (PV) companies. It is the UK’s most experienced PV company. The private organisation was founded by Executive Chairman Jeremy Leggett in 1998. Solarcentury, now over 100 staff, continues to grow rapidly with staff levels expected to rise by another 30% in 2010/11 to meet increasing demand for products and services in the UK and throughout the EU. The company is led by CEO Derry Newman, ex Managing Director Sony UK, and based in London, with staff in the UK, France, Italy and Spain.

Since 1998, we have managed the installation of well over 1000 solar PV turnkey projects. Solarcentury has helped thousands of homes go solar through its supply of systems to housebuilders and through its network of regional associate installers. It is the founding company of the schools initiative Solar4Schools. Solarcentury's turnover was £34.5m from 2009 to 2010. In 2008, Solarcentury was named the UK’s Fastest Growing Renewable Energy Company by UK’s Sunday Times Tech Track 100. In 2009, the company was named in the world's top 100 most promising private clean technology companies as a 'Global Cleantech 100 company' by Guardian News and Media and Cleantech Group. www.solarcentury.com

About Farming Futures

In February 2010, one in three farmers surveyed in England as part of the Farming Futures project said they were already affected by climate change and half expect to be affected in the next 10 years. 48% of surveyed farmers said they were taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their farm.

Farming Futures provides inspiration and information for farmers and land managers via fact sheets, case studies and practical, on-farm events.

Farming Futures is an industry-led collaborative project between Forum for the Future, NFU, CLA, AIC, AHDB (on behalf of the agricultural and horticultural levy boards), FWAG LEAF, and Defra to communicate practical action on climate change. Farming Futures is funded by Defra’s Farming for the Future Programme and Act on CO2 until March 2011.
www.farmingfutures.org.uk