Smart solar energy solution for poultry sheds

From egg producers to broiler rearers, solar energy is proving a natural fit for the energy-intensive demands of modern poultry farming, and for diversified rural businesses looking to futureproof their operations.

Cutting costs

Poultry farming is one of the most energy-reliant sectors in UK agriculture. Maintaining a consistent environment inside chicken sheds – with proper ventilation, lighting, heating and cooling – is essential for animal welfare, productivity and biosecurity.

These systems typically run 24/7, putting a continuous demand on electricity.

With solar PV, farmers can generate their own renewable electricity on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and significantly cutting electricity bills.

As many farms operate during daylight hours – when solar generation is at its peak – a large proportion of the power can be used directly, making the system highly efficient and cost-effective.

Solar generation naturally complements a farms daytime energy use by offsetting grid-based energy consumption making it a highly efficient and cost-effective on-site energy solution.

Making use of space

Poultry farms are often ideal sites for solar installations. Large, unshaded roof spaces on chicken sheds and barns provide ample surface area for panels, while open ground can be used for ground-mount arrays that don’t interfere with existing operations.

Solar PV systems can be scaled to suit your energy demand, making them a versatile solution whether you’re running a high-throughput broiler unit, a free-range egg enterprise, or a mixed-use farm with additional rural businesses.

Supporting farm diversification

Many poultry farmers are also branching out into diversified ventures – such as camping sites and farm shops, with electrical hook-up or EV charging. These enterprises bring new income streams but also increase power usage.

A well-designed solar PV system can support both your core farming operations and these new activities, providing clean, affordable energy across the whole business.

The long-term benefits

Solar PV is a long-term investment that pays back in multiple ways:

• Lower electricity bills – Reduced reliance on grid energy translates into significant savings
• Energy security – Protect your business from energy market volatility
• Carbon footprint reduction – Demonstrate environmental responsibility to customers and supply chains
• Better use of buildings – Turn otherwise unused roof space into a revenue-generating asset
• Increased farm value – Energy-efficient infrastructure can enhance the overall value of the site.

Service from Noble Green Energy

As part of the Noble Foods Group, Noble Green Energy truly understands the specific needs of poultry farmers and the agricultural sector.

It provides a full turnkey solar PV service, including:

• Site assessment and system design tailored to your energy profile
• Roof-mount or ground-mount installations using trusted, high-performance technology
• Grid connection management and support with all necessary permissions
• Ongoing system monitoring and maintenance for optimal performance
• Finance option and grants may be available to reduce or support capital expenditure.

“Poultry farms are among the best-suited sites for solar PV in the UK,” says James Pullin, general manager of Noble Green Energy.

“The high daytime energy demand for ventilation, lighting and temperature control aligns perfectly with solar generation patterns – meaning farmers can use most of the power they produce directly, saving money from day one.”

Real results from poultry farms

Farms and poultry businesses are already benefitting from switching to solar with Noble Green Energy…

PD Hook Hatcheries

PD Hook Hatcheries in Cowdown, Hampshire, worked with Noble Green Energy to install a 100.05 kWp roof-mounted solar PV system on one of its chicken sheds.

The system is expected to generate around 122,600 kWh of clean electricity per year, delivering an estimated payback period of just three years.

During peak sunlight and usage hours, the power from this single shed’s panels is enough to run the ventilation systems for all four chicken sheds on site. This makes the installation a perfect example of how well solar PV can integrate with poultry farming, where ventilation is one of the largest energy demands.

The site was an ideal candidate for solar, with its high daytime energy use closely matching solar irradiance patterns. This alignment means the farm can directly use a large proportion of the energy it generates, maximising savings and efficiency.

Alongside significant cost reductions, the system cuts the site’s carbon emissions by more than 17 tonnes per year – the equivalent of planting over 800 trees.

Tuesley Farm – Hall Hunter Partnership

The Hall Hunter Partnership worked with Noble Green Energy to significantly expand its solar PV capacity at Tuesley Farm, installing a 1.7 MWp ground-mounted array and boosting total site generation to over 2.1 MWp.

The system produces around 1.7 GWh of energy annually, delivering substantial carbon savings and long-term energy resilience.

To support the expansion, the farm’s DNO transformer was replaced with a 1.5 MVA unit, along with upgraded electrical infrastructure.

A smart export limit of 999kW was implemented to avoid costly network reinforcement.

This modern system enables high solar self-consumption, with export levels routinely reaching the set limit during peak sunshine. Continuous monitoring ensures the array is performing optimally, supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

Get in touch

If you’re ready to explore how solar PV can support your poultry operation – from cost savings to carbon cutting – Noble Green Energy is there to help.

Visit the Noble Green Energy website or get in touch with the team to book a free site assessment: getintouch@noblegreenenergy.co.uk

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