A new guide, jointly authored by Teagasc and Munster Technological University (MTU), offers dairy farmers practical insights into cutting energy bills and lowering emissions through solar power.
‘A Solar Energy Guide for Dairy Farms’, was launched on 2nd July by the Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, at the Teagasc Dairy Open Day in Moorepark, Fermoy. It provides clear, evidence-based information on how to assess, install, and benefit from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The guide outlines how farms with high energy use for milking, cooling milk and heating water are particularly suited to solar and presents real-world case studies and financial payback examples.
The publication answers common questions on system design, planning permission, battery storage and grants. It includes up-to-date details on the 60% TAMS grant, export tariffs, and the new Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS). It also highlights a free online tool, FaRMOT, developed by MTU and Teagasc, to help farmers optimise energy savings.
“This guide will help farmers make confident, informed decisions. Solar PV is no longer just a green option; it is a smart investment that supports farm resilience,” lead author, Dr John Upton of Teagasc said.
Beyond financial savings, solar PV contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, a 26 kWp system on a dairy farm can offset approximately 7.5 tonnes of CO2 annually, demonstrating the role of renewables in achieving climate targets.
