200 kWp Dairy Farm Solar Array
Hollowbrook Farm Dairy — Nantwich, Cheshire | Completed 2024
Client
Hollowbrook Farm Dairy
Location
Nantwich, Cheshire
System Size
200 kWp
Completed
2024
A full rooftop solar installation across three dairy barns and a grain store, designed to offset 72% of the farm's daytime electricity demand including milking parlour, refrigeration, and grain drying loads. The system also powers a new solar-direct irrigation pump for the 120-acre arable rotation.
The Challenge
The 400-cow dairy farm consumed over £72,000 in electricity annually, with the milking parlour and bulk tank refrigeration accounting for 58% of total demand. The farm had three large 1980s corrugated-steel barns with south-facing roofs but the owner was concerned about structural integrity and whether solar would interfere with ridge ventilation essential for cow welfare.
Our Solution
Bee Solar's agricultural team conducted a full structural assessment and designed a lightweight mounting system with distributed ballast loads suitable for the existing roof profile. Panels were elevated on livestock-safe frames that preserved all ridge ventilation slots. A 200 kWp array was installed across three barns and the grain store, paired with a 100 kWh battery to capture afternoon surplus for evening milking. A solar-direct irrigation pump was added to the dairy yard.
Project Results
Annual electricity bill reduced by £48,200 (67%)
Daytime farm load offset increased to 72%
Diesel irrigation pump costs eliminated entirely
Barn interior temperatures reduced by 3°C under panel shading
Carbon footprint reduced by 65 tonnes CO2e annually
Planning approved under permitted development in 3 weeks
Project Gallery
Related Service
Commercial Solar Installation
Related Projects
Articles About Agriculture & Farming
How It Works
From first call to switch-on, we make going solar simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Free Site Survey
We visit your site, assess your roof, shading, and electrical infrastructure. No obligation, no pressure — just honest data.
1–2 hoursBespoke Design & Quote
Our engineers design a system tailored to your building, usage profile, and budget. You receive a detailed proposal with ROI projections.
3–5 daysProfessional Installation
Our MCS-certified team installs your system with minimal disruption. We handle grid connection, paperwork, and commissioning.
2–6 weeksNo obligation. We typically respond within 24 hours.