What if the answer to soaring energy bills was hiding in plain sight — right above your head? Imagine a roof that does more than shield you from rain and trap warmth. What if it could cut your energy costs dramatically, and even earn you money while you sleep?
If you’re a landowner or agricultural business owner battling unpredictable energy costs and weighing up the value of renewables, this is the value of solar. But many are unsure where to begin or whether the return justifies the investment.
In this blog, we follow a real example, and that’s a solar PV installation at Meon Springs Farm. You'll see how solar panels for farms can solve real problems and create lasting benefits – financial, environmental, and operational.
The Farm’s Story – A Legacy of Adaptation
Meon Springs isn’t your average farm. With roots going back to 1930, it has remained in the same family for generations. But it hasn’t kept thriving solely due to tradition, but by embracing adaptability and modern innovation.
Like many farms, Meon Springs faced challenges in the 1980s when agriculture hit hard times. Instead of downsizing, they branched out. Alongside farming, they now offer fly fishing, glamping, self-storage, and even corporate events and training.
But growth brought its own complications, as one of their farm buildings, housing livestock, had a deteriorating roof. Water poured in during bad weather, making repairs urgent. At the same time, the farm’s energy demands were rising. That combination, a roof in need of work and high energy use, set the stage for a bigger idea.
Turning a Problem into an Opportunity
Standing below that damaged roof, the team at Meon Springs realised something, and that’s the south-facing aspect of the building wasn’t just suitable for repair, it was perfect for solar. Rather than just patching up the structure, they started exploring how to future-proof it.
That’s when they found us. Early conversations with ProStar Energy focused on the long-term benefits: could this be more than just a fix? We explained that by investing a little more than the cost of a replacement roof, they could achieve energy independence and generate ongoing returns.
Our technical team assessed the site and advised a bespoke system design that would not only improve the building but transform it into a source of power.
This was also about scale as, unlike a few panels on a domestic property, this fell under the category of solar panels for commercial buildings and, therefore, the return had to make business sense. Fortunately, it did.
Why ProStar Energy Was the Right Choice
Choosing the right partner for a solar installation isn’t just about price; it’s about trust, technical know-how, and service. Meon Springs contacted several suppliers before making a decision. What tipped the scale in our favour was how we worked – quickly, clearly, and collaboratively.
From the first phone call to the final installation, we kept things straightforward. Our pricing was transparent; our engineers were on site when they said they’d be; and when complications from a previous install came to light, we didn’t flinch. Instead, our team stepped in, resolved the issues, and ensured that the new system integrated without a hitch.
We also understand that solar panel cost isn’t just about the equipment as the value it brings over time must also be considered. We help clients see beyond the upfront spend and into the long-term benefit.
Results That Speak for Themselves
The system we installed at Meon Springs is a 105 kWp solar PV setup. It now generates over 98,000 kWh of clean energy every year. This translates to £17,631 in annual savings, with a full payback period on solar panels in just over two years – an impressive 51% return on investment.
What’s more, our monitoring tools meant we could detect technical issues before the client even noticed. One inverter went down, and we were on the phone within hours, arranging a same-day fix and a full replacement, at no extra cost.
Thanks to SolisCloud, the farm team can now track performance in real time. They can see exactly when and where energy is being used. And during daylight hours? Their electricity usage is close to zero. That’s not just saving – it’s energy independence in action.
What This Means for Other Farms
If you're wondering whether solar panels make sense for agricultural use, the answer lies in results like these. The energy needs of farms are high, and daytime usage aligns perfectly with solar generation. Plus, with rising grid costs, every unit of electricity you produce yourself becomes a direct saving.
Solar power also adds resilience. Whether it's a price spike, supply issue, or blackout, a farm with its own renewable source is far less vulnerable. And over time, the environmental impact counts too. Installing solar panels for farms not only cuts carbon, but it also shows customers and partners that you’re investing in a greener future.
Financially, the numbers speak for themselves. With proper system design and high-quality equipment, the ROI vs. upfront cost balance makes sense faster than most expect. We’ve discussed this in more detail in our blog about why energy security matters in agriculture and how to achieve it.
Final Thoughts – Would They Recommend It?
Absolutely. Jamie, co-owner of Meon Springs, doesn’t hesitate when asked if he’d recommend ProStar. In his words, we were reliable, professional, and genuinely helpful, from the planning stage right through to aftercare. He urges anyone considering a solar installation to “pick up the phone.”
He also points out something worth remembering, and that’s even if you’re unsure, a conversation costs nothing. We’ll give you the facts and let you decide. As he says, once you speak to us, chances are, you’ll choose us too.
To learn more about the benefits of solar, take a look at other case studies like our solar PV installation at Tilham Farm – another success story in the making.
Ready to Power Up Your Farm?
If you're exploring solar panels for farms, we’re here to help. ProStar Energy offers free site surveys, custom system designs, and a track record of reliable results. Speak to our expert team on 03316 302 225 or use our quick contact form to request a consultation.
We'll guide you through the options, answer your questions, and design a system that delivers real savings. Plus, don’t miss our blog exploring the benefits of grid independence when you invest in solar for your farm. Take the first step today and let ProStar help you take control of your energy future.
