Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire

Cotswold Farm Park

49.92 kWp (128 solar panels) installed in Gloucestershire

Cotswold Farm Park takes charge of their energy

Nestled high in the picturesque Cotswold Hills, Cotswold Farm Park is a pioneering institution and beloved family attraction. Established in 1971 by Joe Henson with the core mission of conserving rare breeds of British farm animals, the park continues this vital legacy today under the direction of his son, BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, and his business partner.

The park offers visitors an immersive, hands-on experience to meet and interact closely with more than 50 species and breeds, from Gloucester cattle to Cotswold sheep, while learning about farm life, conservation efforts, and the importance of sustainable practices.

More than just a tourist destination, the farm park operates as a working 650-hectare estate, making it a unique hub where traditional agriculture, education, and family entertainment converge.

Shearing energy costs

In 2022, amid the stark reality of escalating energy costs that severely impacted small businesses nationwide, Cotswold Farm Park took decisive action by commissioning its second solar PV system. Building on their initial commitment to sustainability, this expansion was a crucial step in gaining greater control over their operational energy expenditure.

This investment was driven by a desire to insulate the farm park from the volatility of the energy crisis and by its enduring mission to significantly reduce its environmental footprint, fostering confidence in its resilience and innovation. The strategic move ensures the park can thrive economically while contributing to a greener future.

Key facts and predictions

49.92 kWp (128 panels) installed.
46,917 kWh units of energy produced per annum.
£8,055 projected first year income and savings.
21.9% projected first year return on capital invested, before capital allowance benefits.
4.8p/kWh - the equivalent forward purchase price of 1 million units of electricity over 25 years including estimated operating & maintenance costs.
4.6 years - system payback before finance, tax and capital allowance and grant benefit.
£326,240 - a 25-year income and savings after indexation.
72% saving from solar PV electricity compared to grid supplied electricity at 30p/kWh.
9.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided per annum.

“This cost certainty and keeping our operating costs as low as possible are invaluable for our long-term planning and maintaining the business’ viability. Practicing responsible stewardship towards our planet is very important to us, and we’re actively assessing our operations to introduce eco-friendly practices wherever we can. We’d urge businesses to consider using solar power to help their business and the planet simultaneously. It’s a win-win all round.”
Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park’s Managing Director

“Solar PV has proven over a number of years to be a very effective way of generating clean, low-cost electricity. Many businesses are seeing their systems pay for themselves in 3-5 years with a ROI of over 20%. More and more businesses are coming to us wanting to invest in solar power.”
Ben Harrison, Mypower’s Managing Director