How solar is strengthening farm businesses
29th September 2025
Founded by former pig farmer Robbie Gawthrop, East Green Energy is a family business which understands the realities of running an agricultural business. We take a look at how the business is powering profitability on farms.
East Green Energy understands the pressures on farms, from fluctuating market prices to rising costs.
Drawing on his first-hand experience in farming, Robbie and his sons recognised the potential of renewable energy to give farmers greater control over their operations, reduce overheads, and build a more sustainable future.
Today, East Green Energy says it is a leading renewable energy specialist in the UK, designing and installing solar PV, battery storage, and sustainable heating systems for homes, farms, and businesses – always with the practical, profit-focused mindset of someone who knows the land.
Across the UK, farmers are finding that diversification is no longer just an option – it’s becoming essential for long-term resilience. With rising input costs, unpredictable commodity prices, and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, many are turning to renewable energy as a reliable way to boost income and future-proof their businesses.
Solar PV, whether mounted on existing farm buildings or installed as ground-mounted arrays, is proving one of the most effective diversification strategies – delivering both energy savings and a steady return on investment, all while making productive use of underutilised assets.
Utilising buildings
For many farms, rooftops represent untapped earning potential.
Grain stores, livestock sheds, and packing facilities often have large, unshaded roof areas that are ideal for solar PV installations. By generating electricity on-site, farms can reduce their reliance on the grid and shield themselves from volatile energy prices.
A well-designed rooftop system can supply power directly to farm operations during the day – running everything from cold storage to grain drying – with any surplus exported to the grid for an additional income stream. Modern systems require minimal maintenance and can be installed without disrupting day-to-day farming activities.
Ground-mounted solar
For farms with suitable land, ground-mounted solar offers another route to diversification. These systems can be sited on less productive fields, awkward corners, or areas that are difficult to farm, turning underused space into a steady income source.
Ground-mounted arrays can be scaled to match demand – from small systems powering individual buildings, to larger installations feeding power into the grid under long-term agreements.
Some farmers also choose to combine solar with biodiversity improvements, using the fenced-off areas beneath panels to encourage wildflowers, pollinators, and small mammals.
A farmer’s perspective
One farm already seeing significant benefits is James Foskett Farms, a vegetable farm based in East Suffolk. The farm consumes a large amount of energy to operate its cold storage facilities throughout most of the year. To address this, James Foskett Farms installed an additional 1,500 solar panels, creating a new 700kWp solar system.
As a result, the farm has successfully reduced its electricity purchases from the grid by 25%, boosting its energy resilience and offering a level of protection against rising energy prices. Furthermore, James has taken advantage of a major export agreement with the local District Network Operator, allowing the farm to sell surplus electricity back to the grid for additional income.
The project is expected to achieve a payback period of 5–5.5 years, delivering a return on investment (ROI) of 17–20%.
Robbie Gawthrop, founder of East Green Energy.
Return on investment
Solar PV has become increasingly affordable in recent years, with improved efficiency meaning systems generate more electricity per panel than ever before. For many farms, the payback period can be as short as 3–7 years – with systems continuing to generate free electricity for decades beyond that.
The economics are strengthened by the ability to sell surplus electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This means that every kilowatt hour generated – whether used on-site or exported – works to improve the farm’s bottom line.
Solar installations can be 100% offset against the annual investment allowance.
Reducing carbon footprint
The financial case for solar is strong and the environmental benefits are equally important. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions is becoming a priority for the agricultural sector, especially as supply chain partners and retailers increasingly ask about sustainability credentials.
By generating clean energy on-site, farms can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices, which can strengthen relationships with buyers and open up new marketing opportunities. In a competitive marketplace, being able to show both efficiency and environmental responsibility can be a real advantage.
The future
As energy prices remain unpredictable and pressure grows for sustainable production, solar PV is expected to play a growing role in farm diversification strategies. Whether installed on rooftops or as ground-mounted arrays, solar gives farmers control over one of their biggest costs while providing a secure, predictable return.
For many, it’s not just about cutting bills – it’s about building resilience, reducing environmental impact, and creating a legacy of smarter, cleaner energy use for the next generation.
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