What the Solar + AD Plant Bundle delivers
Larger UK farms operating anaerobic digestion (AD) plants alongside livestock or arable production can pair rooftop solar PV on the AD plant buildings with the AD's biogas generation. The two technologies are complementary — AD handles primary energy production from biological feedstock; solar handles auxiliary electrical loads at near-zero marginal cost.
Standard Solar + AD Plant Bundle scope
Standard solar+AD bundle: rooftop PV on AD plant buildings (CHP house, digestate handling, control building); typical 100-300 kW PV install; integration with AD plant electrical infrastructure; combined monitoring of biogas and solar generation.
Economics in 2026 prices
For a typical retrofit on existing AD plant: 200 kW rooftop PV. Capex £160,000. 100% AIA delivers ~£40,000 year-one tax saving. Annual savings: replaces grid import for AD auxiliary loads (mixers, pumps, control systems) at £35,000+. Simple payback 3.5-4.5 years — among the fastest solar paybacks your installer delivers because AD auxiliaries provide near-continuous high-quality daytime baseload.
Why specify the parts together
Specifying the parts together keeps one G99 grid connection application, one monitoring portal and one set of warranties. Ask each installer to price the combined scope and the parts separately so you can compare.
Before you ask for quotes
Gather your half-hourly meter data and a short brief on your goals: fleet electrification plans, supplier-audit requirements, capital position and planned building work. Ask each installer for a desk feasibility study and what it costs. This site is independent guidance, not an installer: send your details through the form and we reply by email.
Common questions
What's the total capex for a typical Solar + AD Plant Bundle?
Varies by farm scale. AD plant: 200 kW rooftop PV. . A good installer delivers fixed-price proposals of receiving meter data.
Can the Solar + AD Plant Bundle be financed?
Yes — asset finance over 5-10 years for the entire bundle is typically EBITDA-positive from month one for installs with strong daytime baseload. PPA available for systems above 250 kW. Capital purchase with 100% AIA for incorporated farms.
How long does the bundle take from contract to commissioning?
Most bundles complete in 6-9 months from contract signature. The longest item is typically DNO G99 grid connection (6-14 months on most rural feeders, running in parallel). Physical install on-site is typically 4-8 weeks.
Is the bundle eligible for AIA tax relief?
Plant and machinery components (panels, inverters, batteries, EV chargers, heat pump units) are 100% AIA eligible up to the £1m annual cap. Building fabric (re-roofing, structural reinforcement) typically isn't but may have other tax treatment. A good installer provides itemised invoices supporting clean accountant claim.