Success Story: Solar-Powered Dairy Farm in the Netherlands
And now we have another story of agrivoltaics in action, this time on a dairy farm in the Netherlands. This farm has installed solar panels above its cowshed, showcasing the potential of agrivoltaics to provide clean energy for farm operations while creating shade for livestock.
A dairy farm in the Netherlands has taken advantage of agrivoltaics to improve both their energy efficiency and the comfort of their livestock. Dairy farms require a lot of energy to power the equipment needed for milk production, and keeping the cows cool and comfortable can be a challenge during hot summer months.
By installing solar panels above the cowshed, the dairy farm has not only generated clean energy to power their operations, but it has also provided shade for the cows. This has helped reduce the need for cooling and improved the comfort of the livestock, leading to increased milk production and a more sustainable operation.
Therefore, the success of this dairy farm in the Netherlands demonstrates the potential of agrivoltaics to provide clean energy for farm operations while creating shade for livestock. It’s a great example of how this technology can be used to create a more sustainable and efficient future for agriculture.
As the agrivoltaics revolution continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that this innovative approach offers a wealth of benefits for farmers, ranchers, and the environment. By combining solar energy production with agriculture, agrivoltaics has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
Each dairy farm is unique, which means there isn’t a universal system that suits all. This is due to the fact that the size of your solar installation should be proportionate to the size of your farm.
To illustrate…
A dairy farm housing roughly 1,000 cows could experience energy costs in the range of $2,000 – $3,000 per month, equivalent to an energy consumption rate of 200-400 kWh/month.
A solar system aptly sized for this farm would be around 30 kW, leading to a potential 70% drop in power usage during daylight hours.
Indeed, each farm is unique, and a sophisticated calculator can illustrate the power savings you could gain from solar in the upcoming year, as well as over the next decade and quarter-century.
Regarding the location of the solar PV panels, there are several possibilities.
Typically, panels can be fixed on the roof of your shed. If the shed isn’t suitable, another option is a ground-mounted system, which offers benefits comparable to rooftop solar. Tilt frames can be utilized to position the panels at the optimal angle for direct sunlight.
Implementing a solar system for dairy farms
Working with seasoned installers, you can anticipate the process of obtaining your own solar PV system to be informative and straightforward. To start, solar consultants will evaluate a full year of your farm’s energy usage, getting a grasp on your monthly energy demand.
Given the multitude of variables that differ between farms — the number of cows, the size and quantity of milk tanks, and the field size in relation to your irrigation and electric fencing needs, to name a few — calculating your farm’s exact power requirements is essential. It aids in determining the correctly-sized solar system for daily power and the greatest possible ROI.
Why not allow one of our solar consultants to guide you through the figures using our specialized solar energy calculator designed for agri-business? You’ll learn when your solar power will completely reimburse its cost, and witness the system’s savings over the initial years as it starts to reduce your expenses.
Once purchased, installation can commence… and your business can start enjoying the advantages of solar power from the first day of installation.
Solar energy is emerging as a significant development for dairy farmers. It’s an innovative solution that cuts costs, increases income, and future-proofs the business.
If you’re aiming to cut utility costs for your dairy farm while joining the progressive trend of sustainable agriculture that safeguards our environment, consider investing in an agricultural solar energy system today.
