Power Purchase Agreements for Farm Buildings
Benefit from solar energy with zero upfront costs through our specialized Power Purchase Agreements for agricultural businesses.
What is a Power Purchase Agreement?
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a financial arrangement that allows farmers to benefit from solar energy without the upfront capital investment of purchasing a system. Under a PPA, we install, own, and maintain a solar panel system on your farm buildings, and you simply purchase the electricity generated at a rate lower than your current utility prices.
How Farm PPAs Work:
We install a custom-designed solar system on your farm buildings at no cost to you. You agree to purchase the power generated by the system at a predetermined rate (typically 10-30% lower than standard electricity prices) for a set period, usually 10-25 years.
We Install
We design, install, and maintain the solar system on your farm buildings at zero cost to you.
You Save
You purchase the electricity generated at a rate lower than standard utility prices.
We Maintain
We handle all maintenance, repairs, and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
Benefits of PPAs for Farm Buildings
Zero Upfront Investment
Eliminate the need for capital expenditure while still benefiting from clean, renewable solar energy for your farm operations.
- Preserve capital for core farming activities
- No loan or financing commitments required
Immediate Cost Savings
Start saving on your electricity bills from day one, with no waiting period for return on investment.
- Typical savings of 10-30% on electricity costs
- Positive cash flow impact from the first month
Predictable Energy Costs
Lock in electricity rates for 10-25 years, providing protection against rising utility prices and helping with financial planning.
- Hedge against future electricity price increases
- Improved budgeting and forecasting capabilities
Zero Maintenance Responsibility
We handle all system maintenance, monitoring, and repairs for the duration of the agreement, ensuring optimal performance.
- No maintenance costs or concerns
- Performance guarantees ensure maximum output
Environmental Benefits
Reduce your farm's carbon footprint and enhance your sustainability credentials without capital investment.
- Significantly reduce your carbon emissions
- Meet sustainability goals and enhance your brand
Flexible End-of-Term Options
At the end of the PPA term, you have several options to choose from, providing flexibility for your future needs.
- Purchase the system at fair market value
- Extend the agreement with new terms
- Have the system removed at no cost to you
How Our Farm Building PPA Works
Our Power Purchase Agreements are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of agricultural businesses, with a straightforward process from start to finish.
Site Assessment & System Design
Our team conducts a comprehensive assessment of your farm buildings to determine solar potential. We then design a custom system optimized for your specific energy needs and building structures.
Customized PPA Proposal
We develop a tailored PPA proposal that includes projected energy production, electricity rates, estimated savings, and all agreement terms. This transparent approach ensures you understand all aspects of the agreement before proceeding.
Installation & Commissioning
Upon agreement, we handle all aspects of the installation process, from obtaining necessary permits to final commissioning. Our experienced team works efficiently to minimize disruption to your farm operations.
Ongoing Operation & Maintenance
Once operational, you simply pay for the electricity generated at the agreed rate. We continuously monitor the system performance and handle all maintenance and repairs to ensure maximum output and efficiency.
Comparing Financing Options
See how Power Purchase Agreements compare to other solar financing options for farm buildings.
| Features | Power Purchase Agreement | Outright Purchase | Solar Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | £0 | Full system cost (£50k-£250k+) | Typically 0-20% down payment |
| System Ownership | Owned by PPA provider | You own from day one | You own, but loan secured against system |
| Maintenance Responsibility | PPA provider handles all maintenance | Your responsibility | Your responsibility |
| Financial Return | 10-30% savings on electricity costs | Highest long-term returns (15-20% ROI) | Good returns after loan repayment |
| Term Length | Typically 10-25 years | N/A | Typically 5-15 years |
| Performance Risk | Borne by PPA provider | Borne by you | Borne by you |
| End of Term Options | Purchase, extend, or removal | N/A | Full ownership after loan repayment |
Which Option is Right for Your Farm?
The best financing option depends on your farm's specific circumstances. A PPA is particularly well-suited for farms that:
- Want to preserve capital for core farming activities
- Prefer a hassle-free approach with no maintenance concerns
- Want immediate energy cost savings without waiting for ROI
- Seek predictable electricity costs for long-term planning
- Are interested in renewable energy but have concerns about system performance
- Want flexibility for future decisions about energy infrastructure
Our team can help you evaluate all options to determine the best fit for your farm's specific needs and circumstances.
120kW
System Size
25%
Cost Reduction
£0
Upfront Cost
Hillside Poultry Farm
See how our PPA solution helped a Norfolk poultry farm reduce energy costs while maintaining optimal conditions for their operation.
The Challenge
Hillside Poultry Farm was facing rising electricity costs due to their continuous ventilation and climate control requirements. They wanted to reduce costs but couldn't afford the large capital investment for a solar system.
The Solution
We implemented a 120kW solar PPA solution across their main poultry houses, with zero upfront cost. The system was carefully designed to accommodate their specialized roof structures and the farm's 24/7 energy needs.
The Results
- 25% reduction in electricity costs from day one
- Annual savings of approximately £17,500
- Protection from electricity price increases for 20 years
- Reduced carbon footprint by 58 tonnes of CO2 annually
"The PPA was perfect for us - we needed to cut costs but couldn't tie up capital in a solar system. Now we're saving significantly on our energy bills without any upfront investment or maintenance concerns."
Ready to Reduce Your Farm's Energy Costs?
Explore how a Power Purchase Agreement can help your farm benefit from solar energy with zero upfront investment.
Get Your Free PPA AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Power Purchase Agreements for farm buildings.
What happens if I sell my farm during the PPA term?
If you sell your farm during the PPA term, you have several options. You can transfer the PPA to the new owner, which can be an attractive selling point due to the reduced electricity costs. Alternatively, you can buy out the agreement at fair market value. Our team will work with you to find the most appropriate solution if your circumstances change.
What if the system doesn't perform as expected?
Performance risk is entirely borne by us as the PPA provider. We monitor the system's output continuously and guarantee its performance. If the system underperforms, it's our responsibility to address the issue promptly. You only pay for the electricity actually generated, so there's no risk of paying for energy you don't receive.
How are PPA rates determined?
PPA rates are determined based on several factors, including your current electricity costs, the solar potential of your farm buildings, system size, and installation costs. Rates are typically set at 10-30% below your current electricity rates, ensuring immediate savings. The rate structure can be fixed for the entire term or include predetermined annual increases, which are typically lower than expected utility price increases.
Can a PPA work with my farm's seasonal energy usage patterns?
Yes, our PPAs can be structured to accommodate seasonal energy usage patterns common in agricultural operations. We analyze your energy consumption patterns throughout the year and design a system that optimizes solar production aligned with your usage. For any excess energy generated during low-usage periods, arrangements can be made for grid export or energy banking, depending on your specific situation.
Will a solar PPA affect my farm insurance?
The solar system installed under a PPA is owned and insured by us, so there's no need for you to modify your insurance to cover the system. However, we recommend notifying your insurer about the installation. In most cases, having solar panels can actually reduce insurance premiums due to the reduced reliance on grid electricity and potential improvements to building resilience.
How quickly can a PPA solar system be installed?
The timeline from initial assessment to operational system typically ranges from 2-4 months, depending on the complexity of the installation, permitting requirements, and grid connection process. We work closely with you to schedule installation around your farm operations to minimize any disruption. Once the system is commissioned, you begin saving immediately.
Explore PPA Options for Your Farm
Contact our team today to discuss how a Power Purchase Agreement can help your farm reduce energy costs and increase sustainability with zero upfront investment.
Our PPA Assessment Includes:
- Detailed evaluation of your farm buildings' solar potential
- Analysis of your current energy usage and costs
- Projected savings and environmental benefits
- Customized PPA proposal with clear terms and conditions