A Solar Energy Guide for Dairy Farms

Type Booklet

By John Upton, Barry Caslin, Francis Quigley and Michael D. Murphy

Solar energy is rapidly transforming energy use on dairy farms, providing farmers with a sustainable way to cut electricity costs, boost energy independence, and lower their carbon footprint. With rising energy prices and a strong policy push towards renewable energy, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have become an increasingly viable investment for Irish dairy farms.

Dairy farms are particularly well-suited for solar PV due to their consistent electricity demand throughout the year. The energy-intensive nature of milking parlours, milk cooling systems, and water heating makes the self-consumption of solar power highly beneficial. By harnessing solar energy, farms can reduce their reliance on the electricity grid, benefit from export tariffs for surplus power, and take advantage of government grants and tax incentives to reduce upfront investment costs.

This guide provides a practical and up-to-date overview of solar PV technology for dairy farms, covering how PV systems work, installation considerations, planning requirements, and the financial supports available. It also examines energy storage options, system sizing, insurance and tax implications, and the impact of government schemes such as TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme and the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG). A range of payback scenarios is explored to help farmers evaluate the return on investment under various conditions.