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Client
Sector
Technology
System Size
Est. Annual Output
Est. Annual Carbon Savings
Est. Year One Savings
Est. Lifetime Savings
Client
Berkeley Farm is a family-run organic dairy based in Wiltshire, producing a range of high-quality products including milk, kefir, yoghurt and cream. With all milk processed on-site, the business combines traditional farming with modern production methods to deliver value-added dairy products while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.
The Gosling family has been producing and supplying Guernsey milk from the farm since 1908 and has embedded sustainability across the business, from electric delivery vehicles (now powered by solar), and reusable glass bottles to permanent pastures that help offset emissions from their 150 Guernsey cows.
Producing approximately 250,000 litres of organic milk each week, the farm relies on energy-intensive processes including refrigeration, cooling and continuous on-site production. Operating around the clock to maintain product quality and food safety, these systems create consistently high electricity demand, making energy a critical operational cost for the farm.
Following a sharp rise in energy prices, the business sought a solution to reduce operating costs and limit exposure to price volatility. Commercial solar panels were identified as a way to significantly reduce electricity costs while supporting the farm’s sustainability objectives, with solar panels for farms providing a proven technology for agricultural businesses.
SolarSense was appointed to design, install and maintain a ground-mounted solar PV system. The team carried out detailed site surveys, optimised the system design and supported the project through planning, installation and commissioning, with ongoing maintenance support in place post-installation.
Solar PV System
The 593.19 kWp ground-mounted solar PV system comprises 1,014 high-efficiency 585W solar panels, paired with three SMA inverters. The solar array is mounted on a purpose-designed ground mounting system, secured using a robust anchoring solution to ensure long-term structural integrity and performance in exposed agricultural conditions.
The project included full system design, supply, installation and commissioning, alongside grid connection works in coordination with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), ensuring compliance with G99 requirements and seamless integration with the site’s existing electrical infrastructure.
The solar PV system is forecast to generate over 642,000 kWh of clean energy annually, supplying approximately 61% of the farm’s total electricity demand and significantly reducing reliance on grid electricity. This is expected to deliver annual cost savings of approximately £88,000, with projected lifetime savings of around £3.2 million. In addition to the financial benefits, the ground-mounted solar PV system will reduce carbon emissions by over 136,000 kg each year, supporting Berkeley Farm Dairy’s sustainability credentials.
The solar panel installation has also enabled Berkeley Farm to optimise how energy is used across the farm, maximising the value of on-site generation. One example includes using solar electricity during the day to pre-cool up to 10,000 litres of water, which is then used for milk cooling overnight when solar generation is lower. This approach further reduces reliance on grid electricity to maximise savings.
Services Provided
Renewable Energy Consultancy – Full site assessment, detailed surveys and modelling to evaluate site constraints, energy demand and optimal system configuration.
Design, Supply and Construction – installation of a 593.19 kWp ground-mounted solar PV system, fully optimised to site conditions and installed to ensure long-term performance.
Grid Connection, Testing and Commissioning – coordination of grid connection and system testing in accordance with G99 requirements.
Full Handover – G99 grid connection approval, operation and maintenance pack, and certification to relevant UK and IEC standards.
Key Results
Cost Savings – £88,000/yr reduction in energy costs with projected lifetime savings in excess of £3.2 million.
Secure Energy Supply – around 61% of the site’s total electricity demand met through solar PV.
Energy Security & Price Stability – reduced reliance on grid electricity while protecting the business from future energy price volatility.
Carbon Reduction – reduction of over 136,000 kg of carbon emissions annually.
Operational Efficiency – enabling smarter energy use, including solar powered water cooling and electric vehicle charging to maximise savings.
From the Client
Ed Gosling, Senior Partner – Berkeley Farm Dairy
SolarSense is an employee-owned Certified B Corp, committed to the highest standards of quality and environmental performance, backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation.
We consult, design, install and maintain award-winning solar and battery storage projects to deliver maximum financial and carbon savings for leading brands in England and Wales.
Are you interested in finding out how much your business could save with renewable energy? Request your free savings assessment to get a tailored breakdown of your potential energy cost reduction, carbon savings, and return on investment.
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