As a farmer, photovoltaic is an excellent opportunity to make your production more profitable while participating in the energy transition. We will see here how equipping agricultural buildings with photovoltaic panels is interesting, what are the possible formulas and what is the cost of such an installation.
Why install photovoltaic panels on agricultural buildings?
Guaranteed profitability
The installation of photovoltaic panels on an agricultural building can make it possible either to save electricity, or to generate profit through its operation. Knowing that energy consumption represents on average 9% of the variable loads of an agricultural structure, photovoltaic is a good way to absorb them. It is estimated that the investment cost can be reimbursed between 7 and 12 years for an agricultural building.After that, it's just profit. The lifespan of a photovoltaic installation is approximately 25 years, which leaves plenty of time to make it profitable.
A large surface to exploit
Where photovoltaics proves to be particularly suitable for farmers, it is at the level of the available surface which is often very vast. Solar panels needing space to be installed, this is not lacking on the roof of agricultural buildings. Whether it is a storage or livestock shed, as long as the structural capacity is sufficient, installation will be possible. The more panels installed, the greater the production capacity and the easier it is to make them profitable. Your installer will take care of orienting them in the sun for optimal performance.
An ecological initiative
We cannot talk about the advantages of a photovoltaic installation without mentioning the benefits related to the environment. Because before being a financially attractive investment, it is above all an initiative in favor of the energy transition. Solar energy, and more specifically here photovoltaics, is a renewable energy. The electricity produced therefore does not emit greenhouse gases or radioactive waste. This improves the carbon footprint of the operation. As a farmer, the installation of photovoltaic panels therefore proves your commitment to the ecological cause.
The different ways to benefit from a photovoltaic installation as a farmer
Solar self-consumption
Do you want to reduce the costs associated with your farm? Solar self-consumption is the ideal solution. Here, your photovoltaic installation can be directly connected to your equipment in order to supply them with electricity. Note that you can always be connected to the public electricity network to supplement your needs when necessary. If, on the contrary, you produce more energy than you consume, you can sell the surplus to your supplier. The electricity consumed via your panels is free, so you save money on your bills.
The total sale to a supplier
By installing photovoltaic panels on your agricultural buildings, you also have the option of selling all the electricity produced to an energy supplier. Note in particular that EDF is under a legal obligation to purchase your electricity via its subsidiary EDF OA if you meet the required conditions.You will then sign a 20-year contract guaranteeing the sale of your electricity at regulated tariffs. Thus, you will receive a remuneration every year that supplements the turnover of your farm.
Installing photovoltaic panels on an agricultural building: what budget should you plan?
The total cost of a photovoltaic installation can vary according to several criteria such as the number of panels you want to install, the price of materials / labor or the difficulty of access to the roof. On average, there is a cost ranging from €800 to €1,700 per kWp. This amounts to approximately €45,000 for a 36 kWp installation. If your building's roof is in poor condition or requires modification for the installation of the panels, you will also need to consider renovations. Another element to consider is the price of the connection to the electricity grid. The further the photovoltaic installation is from the latter, the higher the cost will be. Finally, note that it is possible to benefit from an investment bonus if you opt for solar self-consumption . This can make your installation profitable even more quickly. Would you like to know more about photovoltaic agricultural buildings? Visit this site!
