Why Solar PV Is a Natural Fit for Dairy Farmers in 2025

Dairy farmers face the constant challenge of balancing high energy demands with tight margins, all while navigating increasing environmental expectations. Milking parlours, refrigeration, lighting, and machinery mean electricity usage on a dairy farm is both heavy and consistent — making it the perfect environment for solar PV. As we move through 2025, more and more dairy producers are turning to solar power to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and future-proof their businesses.

1. Dairy Farms Use Energy When the Sun Shines

Milking routines often begin early and continue throughout the day. Alongside that, milk cooling systems and cleaning processes run continuously, particularly in warm months. This steady, daytime electricity usage aligns perfectly with solar generation. The more energy you can use on-site while the sun is shining, the better your return on investment — and dairy farms are ideally placed to take full advantage.

2. Rooftops Ready for Solar Panels

Dairy farms typically have a wide range of large, open-roofed buildings such as milking parlours, cubicle sheds, feed stores, and cold rooms. These structures offer ideal surfaces for solar PV panels, especially where there’s minimal shading and a south-facing aspect. A rooftop solar system maximises existing space and doesn’t affect your grazing land or cropping plans.

3. Cut Costs and Lock In Long-Term Savings

Electricity is one of the biggest overheads on a dairy farm. With solar PV, you can significantly reduce this cost by generating your own power. A 50kW system, suitable for many mid-sized dairy farms, can generate around 45,000 kWh per year — which could result in savings of £8,000–£12,000 annually, depending on tariff and usage. Systems typically pay back within 4–6 years and continue to deliver savings for 25+ years.

4. Take Pressure Off the Grid — and Your Bottom Line

By generating your own electricity on-site, you’re less affected by wholesale price spikes and grid instability. At a time when energy prices are volatile and likely to rise again in the coming years, self-generation provides certainty and control — two things every dairy farmer could use more of.

5. Improve Sustainability and Meet Supply Chain Expectations

Major retailers and milk processors are placing increasing emphasis on sustainability and carbon reduction across the supply chain. Installing solar PV demonstrates real action on reducing emissions and environmental impact — which can be a key differentiator when tendering supply contracts or participating in sustainability schemes.

6. Tax Relief and Grant Support Available

Through the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), the cost of a solar installation may be offset against tax, significantly improving the financial case. In some regions, grant funding or low-interest finance may also be available, particularly for projects that contribute to emissions reduction or energy efficiency. At East Green Energy, we can help you explore and access any available support to maximise your investment.

7. Battery Storage for Round-the-Clock Use

Although solar works best during daylight hours, adding battery storage can help dairy farms that operate heavily at night — such as those with robotic milking systems or continuous milk chilling. Batteries allow excess solar energy to be stored during the day and used when the sun goes down, increasing your overall self-consumption and making the system more efficient.

8. Add Value to Your Farm Business

Solar PV isn’t just a cost-saving tool — it’s a long-term asset. Adding renewable energy infrastructure increases the value and appeal of your farm, and can be an important part of a modern, forward-thinking approach to business planning, succession, or diversification.

Is Solar Right for Your Dairy Farm?

At East Green Energy, we understand the specific demands of dairy farming. We’ve helped farms of all sizes reduce their electricity bills, strengthen their environmental credentials, and take control of their energy future with bespoke solar PV systems. Our team provides a complete service — from feasibility and design through to installation and maintenance — tailored to the needs of working farms.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards lower bills and greener energy, get in touch today to arrange a free site assessment. We’ll show you exactly how much your dairy farm could save with solar in 2025.