Peake Fruit have been investing in solar and green energy across their farming estate for many years, as part of a long-term strategy to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. In 2025, they brought in ProStar Energy to take on three of their more complex installations: a combined programme delivering 170 kWp of solar across Harwich Farm, Boxford Farm, and Wallings Nursery, alongside 100 kW of battery storage.
The goal across all three sites was consistent: reduce grid dependency, lower operating costs, and deliver systems sized to match each site's energy demands. Each installation was designed individually to suit the roof space, energy profile, and operational requirements of that location. From the initial site surveys through to energisation, all three projects were planned and delivered on time and within budget.
Total system size: 178 kWp
Total cost: £153,968
Total first year savings: £24,665
Payback period: 6 years (16% ROI)
Challenges and Solutions
By Robert Rendle's own description, the three Peake Fruit sites were among the more difficult projects on their programme. Agricultural and horticultural environments demand careful planning, particularly when it comes to scheduling works around site operations and assessing roof structures that have been designed for function rather than solar retrofit.
Our engineers carried out a comprehensive site survey at each location before any work began, assessing roof loading, orientation, and available capacity to produce the most efficient system design possible. Installations were carefully scheduled around site operations, and our team maintained clear communication with Peake Fruit throughout, ensuring that all three projects progressed without disrupting the business.
Harwich Farm
System Size: 63 kWp
Cost: £59,712
First-Year Savings: £9,430
Estimated Payback Period: 5 years 11 months (16.9% ROI)
Key Results
The 63 kWp system is now generating clean electricity directly for Harwich Farm, producing measurable financial results from day one.
First-year savings of £9,430 make a tangible difference to the site's energy overheads, with a full return on investment expected within 5 years and 11 months. For a working farm and fruit business where margins matter, that is a strong and realistic financial outcome.
The system also reduces Harwich Farm's reliance on grid electricity, lowering carbon output year on year and supporting Peake Fruit's broader commitment to sustainable operations across the estate.
Boxford Farm
System Size: 15.4 kWp
Cost: £25,923
First-Year Savings: £2,899
Estimated Payback Period: 7 years 11 months (11.18% ROI)
Key Results
The 15.4 kWp system is now generating clean electricity directly for Boxford Farm, delivering measurable financial results from day one.
First-year savings of £2,899 reduce the site's energy overheads in a sector where cost control is a constant priority. With a full return on investment expected within 7 years and 11 months, the system represents a sound long-term commitment for a working fruit farm where every operational cost is carefully managed.
The installation also strengthens Peake Fruit's broader sustainability position, reducing dependence on grid electricity and lowering the site's carbon output year on year.
Wallings Nursery
System Size: 100 kWp
Cost: £68,333
First-Year Savings: £12,336
Estimated Payback Period: 5 years 3 months (18.05% ROI)
Key Results
The 100 kWp system at Wallings Nursery is the most significant of the three installations across the Peake Fruit estate, and the financial results reflect that scale.
First-year savings of £12,336 deliver an immediate and material reduction in energy costs, with a full return on investment projected within 5 years and 3 months. For a site operating at this level, that payback period represents a strong outcome and a clear financial case for the investment made.
Across all three sites, Peake Fruit has taken a considered and strategic approach to solar, and Wallings Nursery completes a programme that now generates clean electricity at scale. The combined effect on the business's energy bills, carbon footprint, and grid reliance is substantial.
ProStar Energy's ongoing monitoring and aftercare service ensures that each system continues to perform as designed, giving Peake Fruit the confidence that their investment is protected well beyond the point of installation.
Conclusion
This programme is a practical example of how commercial solar can deliver genuine value across an agricultural business at scale. Peake Fruit needed systems that would perform reliably across three working sites, cause minimal disruption during installation, and deliver a clear financial return. With energy bills down by an estimated 10% and just over 170 kWp of solar now generating clean electricity across the estate, that is exactly what was achieved.
With over 50 years of expertise and a full turn-key service covering everything from site survey to aftercare, ProStar Energy is well placed to support businesses in the agricultural and food production sectors looking to take control of their energy costs.
From commercial solar panels to batteries, solar canopies, service and maintenance, and EV charging, we have all your needs covered.
If your business is ready to explore what solar could offer, get in touch with our team on 03316 302 225 or complete our contact form to arrange a free site survey.
