Agricultural solar panels for NI farms
Agricultural solar panels turn shed and outbuilding roofs into a power supply for your farm. Generate your own electricity on-site, rely less on the grid and cut the ever-growing farm energy bill.
Why choose Solar Power NI?
European brands
Our products range from German solar panels to English and Austrian inverters, batteries and smart devices.
High quality
We supply high-quality solar panels with long-term product and performance warranties, designed to perform reliably over time.
SOLARWATT partner since 2010
We've partnered with German manufacturer SOLARWATT since 2010. See why we choose SOLARWATT.
Agricultural solar panels built for farm buildings
Solar panels reduce operating costs, increase energy independence and support your sustainability goals, with very little maintenance once installed.
Ammonia in livestock buildings can degrade solar panels that aren't built to resist it. Both SOLARWATT ranges we install are rated ammonia and salt-mist resistant, according to SOLARWATT's datasheets.
- Lower energy bills
- Ammonia and salt-mist resistant panels
- Up to 30-year product and performance warranties
- Low maintenance
- Environmentally friendly
Corporate members of the Ulster Farmers' Union
Solar helps farmers generate their own energy on-site, reducing reliance on the grid. Agricultural solar supports sustainable practice while strengthening the economics of the farm.
We're proud to be corporate members of the Ulster Farmers' Union. Need power where the grid doesn't reach? See how we supplied an off-grid system.
Get a farm quote
Funding and costs for agricultural solar in Northern Ireland
The rules for farm businesses differ from homes. Here's what applies as of October 2026.
Up to 20% NISEP grant
Power NI manages a business scheme under the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) that covers solar PV, and offers up to 20% of the total cost, including installation. Farm businesses may be eligible.
Important: you need a grant offer letter before placing an order, new builds aren't eligible, and funding is limited each year. Ask us about current availability.
VAT: it depends which building the system powers
The 0% VAT rate on solar applies to residential buildings. HMRC looks at which building the system serves, not just which roof the panels sit on (HMRC guidance). A system mainly powering the farmhouse can qualify for 0%. One mainly powering sheds and farm buildings is charged at the standard 20% rate. VAT-registered farm businesses can normally reclaim it, but farms on the Agricultural Flat Rate Scheme or not registered for VAT cannot. Check with your accountant.
Selling spare electricity
Power NI offers an annual fixed export price for generators up to 50 kW, approved by the Utility Regulator. Larger farm systems need a different arrangement, which we'll explain at survey.
Payback, worked out for your farm
The payback period is the time it takes for your energy savings to cover the cost of installation. After that break-even point, the savings keep coming. It depends on your daytime use, tariff, system size, roof and any grant, so we calculate it for your farm and include it in your report.
Grant, VAT and export information checked October 2026. Schemes change, so we confirm current terms with every quote.
Partner with Solar Power NI for your farm
Cutting energy costs, boosting independence and brightening the future with reliable solar.
Clean energy
Make your farm's energy use more sustainable and play your part in a cleaner future.
Green power
Generating solar energy reduces your farm's carbon footprint, with a renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
Reduced costs
Agricultural solar can cut energy bills and improve long-term cost efficiency, depending on system size, energy use and site conditions.
Solar on Northern Ireland farms
A selection of our agricultural installs. See more in our gallery.
From enquiry to install
- We're in touch within 48 hours of your enquiry
- We visit to assess your roofs, orientation and energy use
- We design a system around your site
- You get a full report: system size, generation, cost and payback
- Our own team schedules and completes the install
Agricultural solar panel FAQs
Can solar panels go on livestock buildings?
Yes. The SOLARWATT panels we install are rated ammonia resistant, which matters above livestock. We check the roof structure and condition at your site survey before recommending a system.
Can you power buildings with no grid connection?
In many cases, yes. We've supplied off-grid systems before; see our off-grid case study.
Are there grants for agricultural solar panels in Northern Ireland?
Eligible farm businesses may get up to 20% of the cost through Power NI's NISEP business scheme. You need a grant offer letter before ordering, and funding is limited each year.
Do farms pay VAT on solar panels?
It depends on which building the system mainly powers, not just where the panels are fitted. A system mainly serving the farmhouse can qualify for 0% VAT. One mainly serving sheds and farm buildings is charged at the standard 20% rate. VAT-registered farms can normally reclaim it; farms on the Agricultural Flat Rate Scheme or not registered for VAT cannot. Check with your accountant.
How long is the payback period?
It depends on your daytime electricity use, tariff, system size and roof, so we calculate it for your farm and include it in your report.
Solar that works as hard as your farm
We've installed solar for Northern Ireland farms, homes and businesses since 2010, with every system designed after a survey of your buildings.
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