Farm Solar PV

Reduce farm running costs by optimising your electricity plan

Solar PV can reduce imported electricity during daylight hours, but most farms still use electricity early morning, evening, and during winter months. That means your electricity plan still affects total costs, even after solar is installed.

• Check when you import electricity: milking, refrigeration, water heating, and yard usage often happen outside peak solar hours.
• Consider battery storage: storing daytime generation for evening use can improve self-consumption in many farm setups.
• Compare the full bill: unit rate and standing charge both matter.
• Review smart tariffs carefully: time-based plans can suit some farms, but only if usage can be shifted into cheaper time bands.

Farms often have higher electricity usage due to milking, refrigeration, water heating and yard systems. Visit our Farmers Electricity Guide to compare options designed for farm energy usage.

Compare electricity options for farmers

Before switching, review current market pricing on our Electricity Rates Ireland guide. To understand time-based pricing, read: Smart Tariffs Ireland (2026).

Questions to ask your farm solar installer

• What system size do you recommend based on my farm usage pattern?
• How much electricity will the system produce each year at my location?
• What percentage of my farm electricity can realistically be covered by solar?
• Should I add battery storage now, and what size battery suits my setup?
• What warranties apply to panels, inverter, and battery (if included)?
• What monitoring is included so I can track generation and savings?
• What is the estimated payback period based on my electricity usage?

After installation: review your electricity plan

Once your solar PV system is installed and generating, it is worth reviewing your electricity plan to make sure it suits your updated usage pattern. The right tariff can help protect the savings from your investment.

Check electricity options for farmers