Why solar PV makes economic sense for this sector
UK vertical farming has expanded significantly through 2020-2025, with major facilities including Jones Food Company, Vertical Future, Intelligent Growth Solutions, and growing high-tech salads/leafy greens production. Energy is the largest single operating cost for vertical farms — making PV directly material to commercial viability.
What this sector typically operates
Vertical farms typically operate: enclosed grow rooms with LED grow-light systems (largest single electrical load, 15-22 hours/day); HVAC (climate control, dehumidification); nutrient solution management; harvest and packing; storage. Total annual electricity consumption commonly 1-10+ GWh per facility.
Sector-specific PV considerations
Vertical farm PV considerations: building envelope often has substantial roof area suitable for PV; LED lighting demand is largely daytime-flexible (can shift to align with PV peaks); rooftop solar self-consumption typically 60-80% with intelligent load management; battery storage integration valuable for evening lighting cycles; PPA financing common for the larger facilities (£200,000-£2m+ capex range); supermarket-direct supplier audit positioning material.
Typical system specification and economics
Typical UK vertical farm PV install: 200 kW-2 MW. Cost £160,000-£1.7m. Payback 5-7 years for typical commercial scale.
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. We've delivered solar across this sector since 2019.
Common questions
Is solar economic for our specific sector?
Yes for most operations in this sector. Payback typically 5-7 years for typical commercial scale. 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 8-15p/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.