Profitable Farms of the Future ?

Landowners can generate an annual income from leasing agreements for Solar Farms

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, renewable energy has become an increasingly important topic of discussion. In Ireland, solar farming has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for generating clean energy as well as jobs and income for landowners.

Solar Farming … direct from farm to factory

Solar Farms in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, and Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical plant in Cork, now have solar farms to send electricity direct from farm to factory!

In the case of Eli Lilly, they have the farm installed on their own land, using a ‘direct wire’ solar panel system. This literally sends electricity over the fence to the manufacturing site, just 200 metres away!

Ground panels are placed high enough off the ground to allow sheep to under graze. This is mutually beneficial, keeping the area tidy, providing a source of grazing for the sheep and giving the animals shelter from the elements, winter and summer, so it’s a win-win sustainable set-up.

Credits: thank you to RTE Nationwide, and reporter Niall Martin and the businesses showcased in this informative and exciting piece showcasing how Irish business owners are being innovative and making the most of renewable solar power, taking it from farm to factory direct. This episode of Nationwide aired Wed 26 April 2023

SEAI Grants – Grants offered are provided by the Government of Ireland through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

Solar Farming in Ireland: A Sustainable and Cost-effective Energy Solution

Generating Solar Power involves the use of solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, and has a number of benefits including renewable energy, cost-effectiveness, job creation, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that does not emit harmful pollutants, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

By harnessing the power of the sun, solar farms can generate large amounts of electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and communities.

The cost of solar panels has continued to decline in recent years, making solar farming an increasingly cost-effective option for energy production in Ireland.

By investing in solar farms, businesses and communities can save money on energy costs and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, which can be volatile and expensive.

By generating electricity locally, solar farms can help increase Ireland’s energy security and reduce its dependence on imported energy sources and fossil fuels.

This can help to protect against supply disruptions and price spikes, and can also help to stabilise energy prices over the long term. Solar farming has a number of environmental benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

By generating clean energy from the sun, solar farms can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote a healthier environment for all.

In recent years, the Irish government has shown a strong commitment to renewable energy, with ambitious targets for increasing the use of clean energy sources.

By investing in solar farming, businesses and communities can help to support these goals and contribute to a more sustainable future for all. With careful planning and investment, solar farming has the potential to play an important role in Ireland’s energy future.