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.
What to ask an installer
Ask each installer you approach to model your half-hourly meter data and building dimensions before quoting, and to put the system size, generation forecast, self-consumption and financial assumptions in writing. Before you sign, check the installer’s MCS certificate on the MCS register. Send your details through the quote form and we reply by email.
Common questions
Is solar economic for our specific sector?
Yes for most operations in this sector. Payback typically 5-7 years. Send an installer your half-hourly meter data and ask for a desk feasibility study showing system-specific economics.
What grants apply to our sector?
100% Annual Investment Allowance is universal for incorporated farms. Sustainable Farming Incentive agreements pay for land-management actions, not solar. 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. asbestos cement removal by trained operatives 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: