Solar PV systems for farms and land owners

Solar PV systems can be installed on agricultural buildings or can be ground mounted anywhere there is sufficient space. The introduction of the new feed-in tariff provides significant funding for the installation of solar PV systems at such sites.

The UK’s new feed-in tariff will build on the experience from countries such as Germany, where PV systems are now commonplace on agricultural buildings and have even replaced crops and livestock in fields. German farms and landowners have diversified into the generation of solar electricity, and vast numbers of solar PV modules are reliably generating a return on investment for their owners.

Wind turbines for farms and land owners

With a good site, a wind turbine provides an extremely effective means of generating electricity. Feed-in tariff payments are set to make the installation of small wind turbines, such as those installed by Sundog Energy, a very attractive option for anyone lucky enough to have a suitable site.

Solar PV, wind turbines and the feed in tariff

The UK Government’s new feed-in tariff is due to start in April 2010. This cash back scheme will pay a premium rate for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar PV – guaranteed for up to 25 years. Unlike many previous funding schemes, this money is available to farms and landowners.

The feed-in tariff means that the payback period for solar PV systems has dropped significantly and net income can now be predicted reliably. For those lucky enough to have a good wind site, a wind turbine will provide the most efficient generation of renewable energy and continue to generate free electricity long after it's cost has been recovered.

Solar PV – a brilliant solution

A solar PV system generates free electricity with no carbon emissions and, as it has no moving parts, it requires no maintenance. Solar PV systems are reliable, have a predictable performance (PV modules have performance guarantees of over 25 years) and an expected life of over 40 years

Solar PV systems are practicable for most buildings but can also be ground mounted where there is sufficient space. Every unit of PV generated electricity qualifies for payments under the feed-in tariff

For more technical information see our solar PV pages.

Wind turbines – a powerful choice

The power available to a turbine is related to the wind speed cubed - so even a small increase in wind can give a large increase in the turbine’s output. Consequently, the selection of a wind turbine site is key to ensure good performance.

A grid-connected system links the wind turbine to the existing mains electricity supply so that wind energy is used when it is available and exported to the grid when there is a surplus. However, every unit of wind generated electricity qualifies for payments under the feed-in tariff, even if it is used on the property.

For more technical information see our wind turbine pages.

Why choose Sundog Energy?

Sundog Energy has been a leading player in the provision of renewable energy systems since 1995. We have designed and installed PV systems from the smallest domestic scheme to some of the largest commercial and public sector projects undertaken in the UK. We have installed many hundreds of systems and many thousands of PV modules. We have worked with many local authorities, construction companies and house builders all over the country.

Sundog Energy can assess your site for its suitability for a solar PV or small wind system and provide options, costings and output data to show what could be achieved. The initial survey and quote are free - contact us.