Key facts
Best-fit useDairy, cold storage, poultry, grain drying, workshops, packing lines and diversified farm buildings with daytime demand.
Funding realityREPF and local rural business grants can support net-zero or diversification projects in some areas, but they are not universal and often close quickly.
Planning checkRoof-mounted systems on non-domestic premises may use permitted development rights if limits are met; listed buildings, monuments and ground arrays need extra checks.
Grid checkRural supplies may have export or capacity constraints, so DNO advice is a first-step item.
Quote evidenceInstallers need MPAN, supply capacity, bills, roof photos, livestock/building constraints and any asbestos information.
Farm solar funding routes to check
| Route | What it can support | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Rural England Prosperity Fund | Some local programmes fund net-zero projects, business growth or diversification, including solar in selected areas. | Area-specific, often capital-only, match-funded and time-limited. |
| Local business grant | Solar PV or energy efficiency for rural SMEs. | May exclude primary agricultural production or retrospective spend. |
| SEG export tariff | Payment for eligible exported electricity. | Needs eligible generation, metering and a SEG licensee tariff. |
| Tax allowances | Potential relief on qualifying plant and machinery spend. | Solar is special-rate plant; check AIA and pool treatment with an accountant. |
What to include in a farm quote request
- Whether the install is for farm operations, diversification, a landlord-owned roof or a tenant-run business.
- Monthly or half-hourly electricity use for the highest-load buildings.
- Roof type, roof age, asbestos information and access constraints around livestock or machinery.
- Whether ground mount, battery storage or EV charging is being considered.
- Any local grant deadline and whether spend must wait until grant approval.
Sources checked
- GOV.UK - Find government grants
- GOV.UK - business green funding
- Ofgem - Smart Export Guarantee
- GOV.UK - VAT Notice 708/6
- HMRC - solar panels capital allowances
- GOV.UK - full expensing and first-year allowances
- GOV.UK - green business rates measures
- GOV.UK - Rural England Prosperity Fund example
- Salix - Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
- GOV.UK - Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund
- Planning Data - non-domestic solar permitted development
Great British Energy is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the government-owned Great British Energy at gbe.gov.uk. Funding rules change; verify against official sources before committing spend.