Case Study - Symonds Farm, Bury St Edmunds - Solar Installation

Symonds Farm, based just outside Bury St Edmunds, partnered with East Green Energy in November 2025 to install a new solar PV system that supports the farm’s growing energy needs and long‑term sustainability plans. The project was designed to work alongside the farm’s existing operations, providing a reliable source of daytime electricity and helping to stabilise energy costs across the site.

Project background

Symonds Farm is a busy agricultural site with year-round energy demands, from lighting and ventilation to automated equipment. The team wanted a way to reduce their reliance on grid electricity while making better use of the large roof areas available across the farm. East Green Energy carried out a full assessment of the site, identifying the most productive roof spaces and designing a system that would deliver strong generation throughout the year.

System design and installation

The installation uses high‑efficiency solar panels paired with modern inverters to maximise output, even during periods of lower winter light. Panels were positioned to capture the best of the farm’s solar resource, with the layout tailored to fit the building structures and daily operational needs.

A key part of the project involved making use of the farm’s existing electrical infrastructure, allowing the new solar array to integrate cleanly with the site’s current supply. This approach avoided major rewiring and meant the system could support more generation without disrupting day‑to‑day operations.

The system was installed with minimal interruption to the farm’s routine, allowing work to continue as normal throughout the build.

Performance and results

Since going live, the system has performed above expectations. Across the first nine months, generation has tracked 10.47% higher than forecast, with several months showing particularly strong results. July stood out with a 28% uplift, helped by the run of bright weather since early spring.

The installation was forecast to produce 382,000 kWh per year, but has already reached 422,000 kWh, demonstrating how well the system is working on site. This additional generation directly supports the farm’s daytime electricity use, reducing grid demand and helping to manage energy costs more effectively.

Can we get updated figures to August?

Impact on the farm

The solar array now contributes to lighting, ventilation and automated equipment across the site, providing a more stable and predictable source of energy. By building on the farm’s existing electrical setup, the system delivers higher generation capacity without the need for major infrastructure changes, strengthening energy resilience during periods of higher demand.

A forward‑looking approach

Symonds Farm’s investment reflects a growing trend within the agricultural sector, where farms are increasingly turning to renewable energy to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This installation is now a key part of the farm’s energy strategy and will continue to support operations for many years to come