Latest figures from England indicate that a third of farmers are now involved in installing or developing renewable energy systems as part of their farm enterprises. The NFU and NatWest study also reports that one in six farmers will have installed Photo Voltaic panels by the end of the this summer. These figures demonstrate that on-farm renewable energy is no longer a niche business. At the GreenYard we believe that every farm needs to examine its renewable energy potential. The key step for any farmer or landowner to take is to establish if their project feasible.
As a farming organisation, the GreenYard is keen that farmers benefit from the renewable energy opportunity and integrate renewable technology into their farm business. We do however believe that due diligence is required. Farmers should not accept the sales pitch and the reports of good returns at face value. New technologies need to be proven and none of them work unless you have the site to suit their installation. This hyperbole is most commonly seen with small to medium wind turbines but lately it can also be witnessed in some of the sales patter regarding anaerobic digestion and photo voltaic panels. Usually, with a few exceptions, the technology will deliver but often not as well as stated in the brochure. Quite often the site will not deliver. The GreenYard has access to the outputs of over 7000 wind turbines across Europe and as well as on our own doorstep – not everyone is on a winner. We also use the best PV software programmes to check the viability of your projects and get you the information you need to make the business decision.
The first action for any farmer or home owner to undertake is to reduce their risk by seeking independent advice, speaking to those with renewable energy systems installed and getting a feasibility study undertaken into renewable energy on their farm.
The GreenYard specialises in getting the best possible outcome for the farming sector. If you want to be part of a successful renewable energy enterprise then contact ourselves as the first step to being part of the 33% of farmers who have diversified into this new farming opportunity.