Why Potato Farmers Are a Perfect Fit for Solar PV

As energy prices rise and sustainability becomes a key priority for agriculture, many UK farmers are turning to solar power to reduce costs and future-proof their businesses. But when it comes to commercial solar PV, few sectors are as well-matched as the potato industry.

Here’s why potato farmers in particular are in a prime position to benefit from solar PV — and how it can support both profitability and long-term resilience.

1. High Energy Demands, Especially During Harvest and Storage

Potato farming involves significant energy use, especially during harvesting, grading, and cold storage. The machinery, lighting and refrigeration systems needed to keep crops in prime condition draw considerable power — often all year round.

Installing a solar PV system allows farmers to generate their own electricity on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and softening the blow of rising wholesale energy costs. For farms with cold stores running 24/7, this can translate to serious long-term savings.

2. Large Roof Space or Unused Land

Many potato farms have expansive agricultural buildings with wide, unshaded roofs — perfect for solar arrays. Ground-mounted systems can also be installed on unused or lower-grade land, keeping the best growing acreage free while still delivering value.

This flexibility gives farmers options. Whether it’s roof-mounted on a potato store or ground-mounted beside the packhouse, solar PV can be tailored to suit the farm layout.

3. Long-Term Thinking Is Part of the Job

Farming is all about planning for the future — working with the seasons, investing in machinery, and stewarding the land. Solar PV aligns perfectly with that mindset. It’s a long-term investment with a typical return on investment (ROI) of 8–12 years, and panels often last 25+ years with minimal maintenance.

With energy security becoming increasingly unpredictable, locking in some of your own supply just makes sense — both financially and practically.

4. Eligible for Business Grants and Tax Incentives

The UK government has various schemes and tax incentives designed to support farms moving towards low-carbon technologies. For example:

• Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) lets you deduct the full cost of solar PV in the year of purchase (subject to limits).

• Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFI) increasingly reward environmentally conscious practices — and solar PV can help show your farm is taking sustainability seriously.

• Additional grants and rural funding may be available regionally.

At East Green Energy, we help farmers navigate the available funding and build a strong business case for solar.

5. A More Sustainable Story for Your Supply Chain

Retailers and consumers alike are paying more attention to where their food comes from — and how it’s produced. Solar PV is a visible, measurable step towards a greener operation. Whether you’re supplying supermarkets, processors, or farm shops, clean energy can enhance your sustainability credentials and give your brand a competitive edge.

Solar PV That Works for Your Farm

At East Green Energy, we’ve been helping UK farmers transition to solar for nearly 20 years. We understand the specific demands of agricultural operations — including those unique to potato growers.

From initial site surveys and ROI modelling, to installation and aftercare, we’re here to make solar work for your business.