Solar Panels for Barns

UK agricultural barns offer some of the best commercial solar opportunities in the country. With expansive roof areas, south-facing pitches, and permitted development rights, barn roofs can generate substantial clean energy while reducing farm operating costs.

Why Barn Roofs Are Ideal for Solar

Agricultural barns combine the three factors that make commercial solar highly profitable: large unshaded roof areas, high daytime energy demand, and favourable planning rules.

Barn Roof Types and Solar Suitability

The type of roofing on your barn determines the mounting method, installation timeline, and overall cost. Here is how each common barn roof type works with solar panels.

Asbestos Roof Warning

If your barn was built before 2000, the roof may contain asbestos cement. Never drill, cut, or disturb suspected asbestos roofing. We provide free asbestos identification as part of every barn survey and offer full overcladding solutions.

Barn Solar Installation Process

Every barn is different. Our installation process is tailored to the specific structural, electrical, and regulatory requirements of your agricultural building.

Barn Solar Costs and Returns

Barn solar installations deliver strong financial returns thanks to the combination of large roof areas, agricultural grant support, and high self-consumption rates on working farms.

Figures based on 2026 UK electricity prices and typical south-facing barn installations. Actual returns depend on self-consumption rates, export tariffs, and location. Calculate your specific savings.

Available Grants for Barn Solar

Barn Solar FAQs

Get Your Free Barn Roof Survey

Related Farm Building Solar Pages

Explore solar solutions for other agricultural building types.

Highlights

• 01
• Barn Roof Survey
• We assess your roof type, structural capacity, orientation, shading, and electrical infrastructure. For pre-2000 buildings, we test for asbestos.
• 02
• System Design
• Our engineers design an optimal layout considering your barn dimensions, energy consumption patterns, and future expansion plans.
• 03
• Planning & Grid
• We confirm permitted development eligibility or submit planning applications. DNO connection applications are handled for systems over 16A per phase.
• 04
• Installation
• MCS-certified installers mount panels using barn-appropriate fixing systems. Typical 50kW barn installations complete in 3-5 working days.

• 30kW (150m² roof)
• £24,000-£33,000
• ~27,000 kWh/year
• £7,500-£9,000/year
• 50kW (250m² roof)
• £40,000-£55,000
• ~45,000 kWh/year
• £12,500-£15,000/year
• 100kW (500m² roof)
• £75,000-£100,000
• ~90,000 kWh/year
• £25,000-£30,000/year
• 200kW (1,000m² roof)
• £150,000-£200,000
• ~180,000 kWh/year
• £50,000-£60,000/year

• Farming Investment Fund
• Up to 25% of costs (£15,000-£100,000 grant value) for building-mounted solar on agricultural holdings.
• Farming Equipment & Technology Fund
• Up to 50% grants for eligible energy-efficient equipment. Solar panels must be paired with specific eligible items.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
• Earn 4-15p/kWh for surplus electricity exported to the grid, providing ongoing revenue from excess generation.
• Capital Allowances (AIA)
• 100% first-year tax deduction on solar as plant and machinery, up to the Annual Investment Allowance limit.