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. Ask whether asbestos identification is included in the barn survey, and whether overcladding is offered.

Barn Solar Installation Process

Every barn is different. A good installer tailors the process 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
• The installer assesses your roof type, structural capacity, orientation, shading and electrical infrastructure. For pre-2000 buildings, insist on an asbestos test.
• 02
• System Design
• The installer's engineers design an optimal layout considering your barn dimensions, energy consumption patterns, and future expansion plans.
• 03
• Planning & Grid
• The installer confirms permitted development eligibility or submits 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

• Improving Farm Productivity Grant (England)
• 25% of eligible capital costs for solar that powers farm operations, administered by the RPA under the Farming Investment Fund. UK-wide, grants run 25-40% depending on nation and scheme.
• Farming Equipment & Technology Fund (closed)
• The FETF closed its final round on 28 April 2026. It was a fixed-rate equipment fund — never a percentage capital grant for solar.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
• Earn roughly 4-12p/kWh (as at July 2026) 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.