Why Solar PV Is a Great Fit for Fruit Farmers
For fruit growers across the UK, energy is one of the biggest ongoing costs — from cold storage and irrigation systems to machinery, lighting and packing facilities. With energy prices still volatile and sustainability targets on the horizon, solar PV has become an increasingly smart and strategic investment for fruit farms.
At East Green Energy, we work closely with farms of all sizes to design, install and maintain solar systems that deliver reliable, long-term savings — all while improving your environmental footprint and operational resilience.
Here’s why solar PV makes so much sense for fruit farmers.
1. High Energy Demands, Especially in Season
Fruit farms often experience sharp spikes in energy usage during key parts of the growing and harvesting cycle. Cold stores run around the clock, grading lines kick into action, and water pumping or packing lines need constant power.
A well-sized solar PV system allows you to generate your own electricity on-site, reducing your reliance on the grid during peak times. This means lower bills, greater energy security and more control over operating costs — especially when prices rise unexpectedly.
2. Large Roof Space and Land Availability
Many fruit farms have ideal conditions for solar PV installation — from the roofs of packing sheds and cold stores to adjacent land that’s not in use for crops. Whether it’s roof-mounted or ground-mounted, we can tailor the system to your site layout, energy usage, and long-term goals.
3. Return on Investment That Works for the Farm Business Model
Solar panels offer an attractive ROI over their lifespan — typically 8 to 12 years payback, with systems lasting 25+ years. Add in the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), and your system can also earn revenue by exporting surplus energy back to the grid.
And because energy is such a significant cost in fruit production, these savings and income streams go straight to the bottom line.
4. Power for Cold Storage and Packing Efficiency
Cold storage is a particularly energy-hungry area of fruit farming. Solar PV can help you offset these costs during daylight hours, reducing the need to draw from the grid and improving overall efficiency.
Pairing solar with battery storage can also extend those benefits beyond daylight — allowing you to store excess power and use it when you need it most.
5. A Clear Sustainability Story for Buyers and Supply Chains
Supermarkets, wholesalers and food processors are putting increasing pressure on suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.
Solar PV is a visible, measurable step towards greener farming — and it’s a powerful message to share with your customers, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.
Want to Explore What Solar Could Do for Your Farm?
At East Green Energy, we’ve helped farms across East Anglia and beyond cut costs and carbon through solar. From initial surveys and ROI modelling to full installation and aftercare, we’re your renewable energy partner from start to finish.
To find out what’s possible on your fruit farm, get in touch with:
Tim Thornton, Head of Sales
📞 01394 380 557
Let’s power your farm with clean energy — and grow something even bigger than fruit: your future.
