6%-10% return on solar barn outlay

A return of 6-10% on the money invested in a solar barn was the prospect extended to farmers interested in harnessing the power of the sun at last week’s Agricultural Buildings Show in Lincoln, England.

The profits from using the building for farming are additional to the solar return, according to Strutt and Parker, the UK property company who advised on solar photo-voltaics at the show.

They said solar PV does not require day-to-day operation or maintenance, and it produces a predictable amount of renewable electricity and a consistent financial return on the investment made.

Farmers at the event were told a mono-pitch building of either 50ft by 100ft, or 60ft by 80ft, has sufficient roof space for installation of 50kW of solar panels. This is the normal limit that can be connected into a 100-amp three-phase electricity supply on farms.

Working closely with building manufacturers, solar installers, and solar frame sup-pliers, was recommended, in order to preserve roof warranties.