Customer: Enda McLernon, Poultry Farmer
Industry: Agriculture
System Size: 50kw
No of Panels: 110 panels
No of Inverters: 1 Three phase 40kw Solis Inverter
Level of Self-Sufficiency Post Solarfix Installation: 50%
Carbon Savings Annually: Over 20 tonnes of CO2
Carbon Saved Within Panel Warranty: Estimated over 500,000 tonnes of CO2
Background:
In the agricultural sector, the pressure to reduce carbon emissions is intensifying, and farmers like Enda are leading the charge towards sustainability. By choosing to install solar panels from Solarfix, Enda not only embraced a solution with no maintenance but also made a significant impact on his electricity bills and environmental footprint.
The Challenge:
Enda, a Moy Park poultry farmer, recognised the need to reduce his farm’s carbon footprint while also seeking ways to cut down on operational costs. We all know that margins in farming are tight so anything that can be done to save money should be done. With hen houses requiring substantial electricity to run – particularly in the summer months when the birds need cooled, finding a sustainable energy source was a priority.
The Solution:
Enda chose Solarfix to install solar panels on his farm. Solar panels on poultry and pig farms are a match made in heaven. These farms have higher electricity bills in spring and summer when the animals need electric fans to keep them cool – exactly when solar is generating the most solar power for you. They have no moving parts so require little to no service or maintenance. The solar panels will also reduce the farm’s carbon footprint. A Solarfix panel system was the obvious solution. One of the key factors that influenced his choice was Solarfix’s commitment to personalised service. In Enda’s own words, other companies relied on remote surveys and off-the-shelf packages, Solarfix was the only solar panel supplier that conducted an on-site assessment to tailor a system that met Enda’s specific needs. This attention to detail ensured that Enda’s solar installation was optimised for maximum efficiency and savings.
Installation and Performance:
Enda’s solar system, equipped with a Solis inverter, was designed to provide solar power even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Despite Northern Ireland’s often cloudy climate, Enda reports consistently generating over 8 kWh on cloudy days. In just the first 6 months, his solar panels have already saved over 10 tonnes of CO2. Projections estimate that over the lifetime of the panels, Enda will save an impressive 500,000 tonnes of carbon, making a substantial contribution to the fight against climate change.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of Enda’s solar installation has been the level of self-sufficiency it has provided. Post-installation, Enda’s farm has achieved a self-sufficiency level of 50.1%. This means that over half of the energy needed to run his poultry farm is now generated on-site, reducing his reliance on external electricity sources and insulating him from the volatility of energy prices.
Business Benefits:
Solarfix’s installation has significantly improved Enda’s business operations by giving him the ability to plan ahead with greater confidence. With the solar panels generating a significant portion of his farm’s electricity, Enda can better manage his electric bills and has gained peace of mind for the future. The reliability and predictability of his energy costs mean that he is now in greater control of his business expenses.
The installation process was handled professionally, with the Solarfix team arriving on-site on time and completing the work within a few days. Since the installation, the system has performed exceptionally well, meeting and even exceeding Enda’s e
xpectations. Anytime Enda has a question or query, Solarfix is just a phone call away, always ready to help. Knowing that Solarfix installs systems across the province and is available for on-site visits if needed has further solidified Enda’s trust in the company.
Financial Impact:
The financial benefits of the solar installation have been equally impressive. In the first year alone, Enda saved over £5,000 on electricity bills, thanks to the 30,000 kWh of energy his solar panels generated. This significant cost saving demonstrates the economic viability of solar energy for poultry farmers and other agricultural businesses. Enda’s experience highlights that installing solar panels is a “no-brainer” for those managing energy-intensive operations like hen houses. “Why would you pay for electricity when you can invest in your own system?” he notes.
Looking Ahead:
Enda’s journey with Solarfix doesn’t end with solar panels. He’s could explore further energy independence by integrating additional sustainable technologies into his farm. Products like the MyEnergi Zappi car charger, MyEnergi immersion heater controller, and home storage batteries. These advancements will allow Enda to store excess solar power, use it to charge electric vehicles, and manage his farm’s energy needs even more efficiently.
Conclusion:
Enda’s partnership with Solarfix has set a powerful example for other farmers and businesses in Northern Ireland. By investing in solar panels and looking towards future expansions like home storage batteries, Enda has not only reduced his carbon emissions but also gained greater control over his energy usage and costs.
For those in the agricultural sector, particularly in regions like Northern Ireland, where solar power may seem less viable, Enda’s experience is proof that solar energy is a practical and profitable solution. Solarfix’s commitment to personalised service and their range of cutting-edge products make them the go-to choice for farmers looking to embrace a sustainable future.
To see what we can do for your farm, get in touch by calling our office on 0800 246 5198 or completing our contact form on our website.
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