3 days ago
Home Q&A: What's the best way to use farm buildings for their solar energy potential?
Question
What are the best ways to use solar-photovoltaic panels on farm buildings or sheds?
Answer
Whether you have a smallholding or a large dairy enterprise, farm buildings offer huge potential for positioning solar-PV systems. The Government has financial supports and tax incentives in place to help farmers to make use of this renewable energy source.
Solar-PV can provide free kWs of power to contribute to the running of milk bulk-tanks, lighting and more, and it can also gift vital credits against electricity bills by returning surplus wattage to the grid (micro-generation). The Tams 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) opened for business in January 2023 and is set to run until 2028.
The Government advises that the scheme 'Provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding. The solar scheme is grant-aided at the enhanced rate of 60% (net cost).
Most rooftop installations on agricultural buildings are exempt from planning permission, except near airports where restrictions apply. Ground-mounted systems also enjoy exemptions, provided they stay within specified size limits.'
This aid amounts to twice the percentage help ever offered to domestic installers, and unlike domestic SEAI solar-PV grant aid, it also covers batteries and water heating.
Farm-generated solar power is fully tax-deductible at 100% in the year of installation, and upgrades to a farm's grid connection are made by ESB Networks at no charge. It's estimated that most installations can pay for themselves within three years. For more information on Tams 3, go to
