Why solar PV makes economic sense for this sector
UK cider production — concentrated in the Three Counties (Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire), Somerset, and Devon — combines orchards with pressing, fermentation, conditioning, and packaging facilities. Solar PV pairs well with cider production buildings.
What this sector typically operates
UK cider producers typically operate: pressing buildings (intensive seasonal electrical demand, typically September-October pressing peak); fermentation tanks (climate control, sometimes refrigerated); conditioning and maturation cellars (refrigeration); bottling lines; visitor centres and tasting rooms; on-farm orchards (limited solar relevance).
Sector-specific PV considerations
Cider producer PV considerations: pressing-season peak electrical demand matches autumn PV generation curve; cold-cellar conditioning provides year-round 24/7 baseload; bottling line operation typically daytime (excellent PV self-consumption); visitor centre and tasting room operation aligns with daytime PV peaks; combined re-roof + PV often relevant on older agricultural buildings re-purposed as cider operations.
Typical system specification and economics
Typical UK cider producer PV install: 50-300 kW. Cost £40,000-£250,000. Payback 5-7 years.
How we deliver in this sector
Every project starts with a free desk-based feasibility study from your half-hourly meter data and building dimensions. We share an indicative system size, generation forecast, self-consumption ratio, and 25-year financial model within 7 working days. Matched installers quote across this sector routinely.
Common questions
Is solar economic for our specific sector?
Yes for most operations in this sector. Payback typically 5-7 years. Send us your half-hourly meter data and we deliver a free desk feasibility within 7 working days showing system-specific economics.
What grants apply to our sector?
100% Annual Investment Allowance is universal for incorporated farms. SFI 2025 biodiversity actions apply across all sectors. Smart Export Guarantee 4-12p/kWh on surplus generation. Welsh and Scottish farms have additional devolved schemes.
How long does install take?
From contract to commissioning: 4-7 months typical for rooftop PV; 6-9 months for combined re-roof + PV. We schedule works around the operation's busy seasons.
Can we install on older buildings with asbestos cement?
Yes — under a combined re-roof + PV programme. HSE-licensed asbestos removal followed by profiled steel re-cladding followed by PV. The PV business case typically pays for 60-100% of the re-roof over 25 years.
Other specialist farm sub-sectors we cover
We work across specialist UK agricultural sub-sectors. Related sector pages: