Case Study:
P. J. Yates Ltd - Dairy Farm

The details 'milk' all the difference!

Ireton Home Farm is a 4th generation family-run dairy farm in Derbyshire. The 300 acre farm has 100 milking cows in the Holstein herd, with all fields down to grass except for 25 acres of forage maize and 80 acres of grain. The farm consumes some 100,000kWh of electricity per annum and its peak usage is during milking times - in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Peter, Chris and Katie Yates contacted Mypower to explore how solar PV could benefit their diary farm and to discuss their options.

Making the most from solar PV by managing daytime consumption

The farm has just one electrical supply feeding both the farm buildings and the family's home. Although their Economy 7 energy tariff provides low-cost electricity at night, peak electricity consumption is during the day when the rates are certainly not as favourable .

Mypower's Tom Sivil recommended a 42kW system. Its 120 panels will produce 34,000 kWh of electricity per year with an estimated 75% being consumed onsite.

Farm savings

The solar PV system will save Ireton Home Farm around £4,500 per year. It generates clean, renewable electricity at an equivalent price of 6.37p per unit. This represents a saving of 60% compared to grid supplied electricity at 16p per unit, and provides a ROI of 12%.

Key facts and predictions

42.6 kW (102 panels) - installed by Mypower.
34,260 kWh - units of energy produced per annum.
£4,539 - projected first year income and savings assuming 75% of electricity used on site.
12.1% - projected first year return on capital invested, before capital allowance benefits.
6.37 p/kwh - equivalent forward purchase price of 788,994 units of electricity over 25 years including estimated operating and maintenance costs, and excluding potential Annual Investment Allowance tax benefit.
9.4 tonnes - CO2 emissions avoided per annum.
8.3 years - system payback before finance, tax and capital allowance benefits.
£183,854 - 25 year income & savings after indexation.
60% - saving from solar PV electricity compared to grid supplied electricity at 16 p/kWh.

A SolarEdge inverter and optimiser system were specified, providing the family with a user-friendly and intuitive monitoring platform. Via a desktop login or the SolarEdge App, they can view their live generation and consumption data. This allows the Yates family to better utilise their low cost solar by 'storing' energy in hot water tanks at times of peak generation when milking isn't taking place. For example, when the farm is not consuming solar electricity through milking, the most efficient way to consume it is to turn on hot water tanks or heaters during the day.

Low carbon milk

As the supply chain increases pressure for suppliers to 'green' their products and evidence their carbon reductions, the Yates family can provide firm figures for their carbon savings. Over 9 tonnes of CO2 will be avoided per annum, proving their commitment to sustainable farming.

Professional, knowledgeable and enthusiastic

"We were looking for the most effective way to reduce our electricity bill due to the predicted price rises. We obtained quotes from several companies and Mypower proved to be the cheapest and most knowledgeable. Tom was enthusiastic and very helpful which gave us confidence in the company. Mypower were highly professional throughout the whole process, and we are very happy with the final result".

Peter Yates, Managing Director - Ireton Home Farm