A FARM solar programme is focusing on reducing electricity costs for farmers and supporting on-farm energy generation at a time when energy prices have rapidly increased due to global uncertainty around supplies.

Lisavaird Co-Op’s programme, which launched last September, can help reduce costs by up to 70%, according to Sean Hayes, health and safety and project manager at Lisavaird.

On farms today, the case for solar has never been stronger.

Electricity costs have become increasingly volatile in recent years, placing pressure on margins across all sectors of agriculture.

Milking, cooling, water heating and general farm operations all rely heavily on power, making energy efficiency a key factor in overall profitability.

By installing solar panels, farmers can now generate a large portion of that energy themselves, reducing reliance on the grid and protecting their businesses from future price shocks.

Sean Kiely, Lisavaird Co-Op Group CFO demonstrating the saving of Farm Solar.

The financial benefits to solar installation are substantial, reducing electricity bills by as much as 70%, delivering immediate savings while also providing long-term cost certainty.

For many farms, this translates into a return on investment within three to six years, supported by grant schemes such as TAMS and SEAI.

Other incentives include tax relief and the option to export surplus electricity to provide additional revenue streams for the farm.

Lisavaird Co-Op has long been associated with practical innovation on behalf of its members, but its latest move into solar energy marks one of its most significant steps yet with the launch of its Solar Programme.

Recognising both the challenges and opportunities facing its members, the co-op has developed a comprehensive, end-to-end solar programme initially designed for farmers and now available for homes and businesses also.

What sets this initiative apart is its simplicity for the customer. From initial consultation and system design through to installation, grant applications, finance options and aftercare, everything is handled by a dedicated team at the co-op.

A pilot programme at the Lisavaird Co-Op farm in Kippagh, Dunmanway is already delivering results with a projected payback period of approximately five and a half years. Early figures show 50% reduction to date on energy dependence from the grid.

Such results provide a clear example of what can be achieved when systems are correctly designed and matched to demand. In practical terms, this can be worth the equivalent of one cent per litre of milk annually.

Collaboration is key to the success of this programme with Lisavaird Co-op partnering with Pinergy and Calor Gas to support a managed energy buying group and facilitate premium export opportunities for surplus electricity with Pinergy offering a market leading €0.20 per Kwh on export. Lisavaird Co-Op will proactively manage the electricity price on behalf of farmers, businesses and households.

At a recent information day and launch of the programme held at the Lisavaird farm in Kippagh, Sean Hayes, who is leading this programme on behalf of Lisavaird said: ‘Solar gives certainty, savings and a more secure future. What makes this different is that it’s being led locally.

‘We’re keeping the value, the expertise and the long-term benefit within the community here in West Cork. We are also exploring options for Lisavaird Co-Op to buy the export power from suppliers at a higher rate than the base set by Pinergy of €0.20 which will help with ESGs and circular economy.’

Lisavaird Co-Op is offering flexible financing options including co-op-supported funding at competitive rates to ease upfront costs. Where farmers may not be able to invest in solar, Lisavaird is offering to install solar on farms, free of charge with an agreement to sell the electricity generated from the solar back to the farmer at an agreed rate through a corporate Power Purchase Agreement.

Equally for households and farmers who already have solar installed, they can avail of preferred export rates by joining the Lisavaird PPA. This programme is open to farmers, households and business across West Cork.

For more information on Lisavaird Co-op solar installation, contact Sean Hayes (shayes@lisavaird co-op.ie or call 087 3571538).