AgriSolar | Eco Revival Renewables | co Kildare | Ireland

Cost Effective Soloutions

Farmers | Solar PV for Agriculture?

The installation of solar panels, creates a unique synergy between renewable energy production and farming practices. An innovative approach, known as agrivoltaics, allows for the dual use of land, maximising both energy generation and crop yield.

By strategically placing solar panels on agricultural properties, provides farmers with an additional revenue stream while contributing to sustainable energy production. This method not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint of farming operations but also offers protection to certain crops from excessive sunlight and extreme weather conditions.

Capitalise on SEAI grants

SEAI | Non-Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG)

This grant provides financial support to businesses and other non-domestic entities for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, enabling on-site electricity generation.

Grant funding is available for solar PV systems with capacities up to 1000 kilowatt peak (kWp). The grant amount is calculated based on the standard output of the installed system. For systems ranging from 1kWp to 1000kWp, applicants can receive a maximum grant of €162,600*.

Solar Farming Can Define Change

The NDMG offers several key benefits

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Sustainable

Agriculture
Net Zero Journey

Discover how you can empower your farm, regardless of its size, to achieve Net Zero status. Our comprehensive solar energy solutions are tailored to meet your unique needs and drive sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.

Our state-of-the-art solar PV technology, can transition your farm to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy model. This strategic investment not only addresses immediate energy needs but also aligns with long-term environmental goals, enhancing your farm’s resilience and competitiveness in the evolving agricultural landscape.

Advantages
Support

Transformative Benefits of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems:

  • Reduce electricity costs by up to 50%, significantly improving your farm's profitability
  • Substantially decrease your carbon footprint, positioning your agricultural business as an environmental leader in the industry

Leverage Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) grants ranging from 40% to 60%, up to €162,000, to maximise your return on investment

Partner with Eco Revival Renewables to shape the future and transform your energy consumption. Our cutting-edge solutions offer more than efficiency - we provide a competitive edge in an eco-conscious market while dramatically reducing costs.

up to 40% to 60% Solar PV Grants

Young Farmers | TAMS grant

If eligible, the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) provides a 40% grant on a solar PV investment, while young qualified farmers can get up to 60% in grant aid. PV installers need to be on the the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) approved list.

AgriPV | Eco Revival Renewables | co Kildare | Ireland

Slash your electricity costs by up to 50%, boosting your bottom line

Embrace | The Green Revolution Today

Don’t just adapt to the future – lead it. Partner with Eco Revival Renewables to transform your energy consumption, reduce costs, and position your business at the vanguard of sustainability. Take the first step towards a greener, more profitable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much electricity will solar panels generate?

The amount of electricity generated annually will depend on a range of factors including the hardware chosen, size of system, the geographical location and the direction in which the panels are installed. With the most common silicon solar panels typically 1 sq. m of panels will generate ~150W of power on a clear sunny day (that’s enough to power a laptop computer). A home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) would generate around 2,600kWh of electricity a year if well-located, over 40% of the typical annual electricity demand of an Irish home.

Do Solar panels work in Ireland?

Yes, solar PV systems will still generate electricity when there is daylight, so they will still function on overcast days in Ireland. In these conditions they will not be able to produce power at their maximum rated capacity (the figure in kilowatts (kW)), rather at some fraction of this figure.

Solar panels will perform at their best in direct sunlight and therefore solar PV systems in Ireland will typically produce less than other, sunnier countries such as Spain. As mentioned above, a home solar PV system sized at 20 sq. m (~3kW) would generate around 2,600kWh of electricity a year if well-located, over 40% of the typical annual electricity demand of an Irish home.

What is a solar Farm?

A solar farm is a large array of solar panels, installed in fields or other large spaces, feeding all of the generated power to the electricity grid. Sometimes these are referred to as a solar park or a groundmounted solar array. In a solar farm the solar panels are installed on mounting systems approximately 3m high which are piled into the ground like fence-posts. Rows of these mounting systems would be a typical feature of a solar farm.

How much land is required for a solar Farm?

Solar farms can be any range of sizes, but around 4-5 acres (1.6-2 hectares) is required for each Megawatt (MW) of solar panels installed (around 4,000 panels per MW).

What is considered as Agricultural Solar?

Agricultural solar refers to the installation and use of solar energy systems on farms, and other agricultural properties. This renewable energy solution is designed to meet the unique power needs of agricultural operations while providing several benefits:

  • Reduced energy costs for farmers
  • Decreased reliance on traditional power grids
  • Potential for additional income through excess energy production
  • Environmental sustainability and reduced carbon footprint

Agricultural solar systems can be implemented in various forms, including:

  1. Rooftop installations on barns, sheds, and other farm buildings
  2. Ground-mounted arrays in unused or less productive areas
  3. Solar-powered irrigation systems
  4. Agrivoltaic systems that combine crop production with solar energy generation
How do you select suitable agricultural locations?

Based on the Below Factors:

  • Soil quality and crop compatibility
  • Sunlight exposure and energy generation potential
  • Proximity to power grids for efficient energy distribution
  • Local zoning laws and regulations regarding solar installations on farmland

Eco Revival Renwables will work closely with landowners and local agricultural experts to ensure that the solar panel installations are optimised for both energy production and agricultural yield. This collaborative approach will help in creating a sustainable model that benefits both the renewable energy sector and the farming community.

What is Agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics, also known as agrophotovoltaics, agrisolar, or dual-use solar, combines solar energy production with agriculture on the same land. This innovative approach, pioneered by Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow in 1981, revolutionises land use efficiency.

Agrivoltaic systems can be integrated with crop cultivation, livestock management, greenhouse operations, and pollinator habitat support. Configurations include installing solar panels between crop rows, elevating them above cultivated areas, or integrating them into greenhouse structures.

These systems offer multiple benefits: moisture retention, temperature regulation, livestock shelter, and income diversification for farmers. While design challenges exist, particularly in balancing light distribution, research shows that some crops and livestock thrive in the increased shade provided by solar panels.

As the renewable energy sector evolves, agrivoltaics presents a promising solution for sustainable land use, addressing both energy production and food security concerns. With Eco Revival Renewables, specialising in solar panels and batteries, this represents a significant opportunity for Farmers to work us to find best solution for your land within the expanding sustainable agriculture sector.

What is the financial return on investment?

Solar PV panels require minimal maintenance after installation, with output decreasing by 1% annually. Cleaning is needed every decade. Financial returns depend on energy generation value and quantity.

The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff, which pays per kWh generated, is a key revenue source. While Ireland lacks a solar PV feed-in tariff, these are common elsewhere, typically inflation-linked for 15-20 years.

Solar PV panels offset grid energy purchases. For example, if you need 20kW and your PV system produces 5kW, you’d only import 15kW. At 18 cents per kWh, displacing 10,000kWh saves €1,800. Excess energy can be exported, though payment isn’t currently available in Ireland.

Self-consumption is more valuable than exporting, so solar systems are most effective when daily energy use matches generation. Feed-in tariffs are crucial for adequate returns. Some tax advantages, like accelerated capital allowance reliefs, are available.

For comprehensive information on solar panels, visit Teagasc.ie. This reputable source offers an in-depth blog that thoroughly explores the advantages and considerations of solar panel installation. The blog provides valuable insights into the technical aspects, financial implications, and environmental benefits of solar energy systems.

How to Qualify

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)

The scheme is open to farmers who are aged over 18 and under 41 at the date of submitting the application, have set up for the first time within five years of an application under this scheme, own or have leasehold title to the site on which it is proposed to carry out the development, have a minimum of 5 hectares declared under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) or the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) or equivalent in the year of application or preceding year, or, for tillage related investments, have a minimum of 15 hectares of eligible crops or in the case of intensive enterprises, generate a minimum of 20 production units from farming, for Equine Investments only have and a minimum of 3 equines declared on the Equine Census or equivalent in the year preceding application and fulfill the requirement on occupational skill and competence.

If you are farming with others, you may still be eligible for the scheme.

Rate of Payment

Grant aid will only be paid on approved, completed and eligible expenditure and shall be paid at the rate of 60% up to the applicable maximum investment ceiling of €90,000 per holding.

In the case of an application by two or more eligible partners in a partnership registered on this department’s Register of Farm Partnership the maximum eligible investment ceiling shall be increased to €160,000.

Multiple applications per tranche are permissible. However, the minimum amount of investment which is eligible for approval under this Scheme is €2,000 per application.

Since January 1, 2012 a flat rate farmer can claim back the VAT incurred on the purchase of a solar PV system, which is designed to be used mainly or solely in his or her farming business. The PV system must be named on Triple E Product Register. This Register is the public database maintained by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) containing a list of products which comply with the energy efficiency criteria of that Authority. It can be accessed at the SEAI website: www.seai.ie The claim is made through the Revenue Commissioners VAT 58 form.