Experts in Solar for Pig, Poultry and Dairy Farmers. For all of Your Agricultural Needs
At MarVal Power, we believe that our solar PV and farming work hand in hand to create an effective energy solution and independence.
We understand that there are many challenges with rearing and raising your animals. Outside factors causing substantial rises such as the cost of grain and food as well as significant energy increases have a serious impact on your day-to-day operations.
We also know that you are committed to providing the best care for your animals. And we are here to provide you with the support so that you can continue to do that.
Not only will start to cut your costs immediately but also helps you build a sustainable future.
Why Choose Solar PV for Your Farm?
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Each 50k spent on solar looks like its going to return 12k per year in savings at around 18.5c/kw purchase cost ex Vat of power from the suppliers that sell it which is a realistic benchmark. So, if power rose again to the 30-40c then the payback would be considerably faster again.
I’m budgeting on a 4-5 year return on investment which is 20% P.A.! You wont achieve this in any stock market and if you can borrow funds at 4-7% at all it’s an easy call.
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Paul Tully, Farmer.
The Integration of Solar PV and Benefits for Your Farming Operations
We know that farming requires reliable and cost-effective energy solutions. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology offers a serious opportunity to reduce operational costs, secure a resilient and consistent energy source for your farm while reducing your carbon footprint.
- Reduced Energy Costs.
- Solar energy can significantly reduce electricity bills for your farming operations, leaving you with more resources for your business.
- Energy Independence.
- By generating your own electricity, solar PV and farms can reduce their dependence on traditional energy sources and stabilise operational costs.
- The electricity generated by solar panels can power lighting, ventilation, heating, cooling, and other essential equipment.
- Reliability.
- MarVal Power’s Solar PV systems provide a reliable power source, ensuring your farm operations continue without interruption.
- Once installed, they require minimal maintenance and have a lifespan of 25-30 years or more.
- Net Metering.
- Excess energy generated during sunny periods can be fed back into the grid, allowing your farm to earn credits or receive payments from utility companies.
- Long-Term Investment.
- While there is an initial investment in installing solar panels, the long-term financial benefits and energy savings make it a viable and wise investment for farmers.
- Environmental Impact.
- Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint for farming operations.
- By embracing solar energy, you’re continuing to reinforce your sustainable farming practices.
- Making a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a decision that benefits your farm and long term security.
How Solar PV and Farming Works
Solar energy has the power to transform pig, poultry and dairy farming operations by providing a sustainable and cost-effective energy source. Here’s a brief overview of how solar photovoltaic (PV) technology works and its seamless integration into dairy, pig and poultry farming.
Solar PV Technology Explained
For solar PV and farming, the technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. These cells are typically made from semiconductor materials, such as silicon, that absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons. The movement of these electrons generates an electric current, which can then be used for various applications, including powering solar PV and farming.
Energy Generation Process
- Capture.
- Solar panels, installed strategically on rooftops or ground-mounted arrays, capture sunlight.
- Conversion.
- Photovoltaic cells within the panels absorb sunlight and generate a flow of electric current.
- Inverter Conversion.
- Direct current (DC) electricity produced by the panels is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by the inverter.
- Usable Electricity.
- The AC electricity is ready to power various electrical devices and systems on the farm.
Grants and Support for Solar PV and Agriculture including Pig, Poultry and Dairy Farming
PV Installation – Paul Tully, Pig Farmer Co. Laois, Talks Solar and Savings
Our client, Paul Tully, operates two pig units in Ballinakill, Co. Laois. His original farm was a 120-sow unit when he bought it and he has grown this to around 200 sows today. In 2004, Paul added a second farm with 600 sows, two miles away, and he has been developing this since that time.
The sites consist of two separate but also integrated units that covers every aspect of primary production for his Topig breed. These units have been completely modernised to ensure that they are disease-free. The values of the business are founded on excellent welfare standards that depends on high performance.
Diet is a major consideration for Paul, as it accounts for approx. 70% of the cost of production. Therefore when grain prices went increased as result of the war in Ukraine, this created an additional pressure. Generating better efficiencies within the operating system therefore was a critical objective.
Project Overview
Our solar PV project, in co-operation with Paul Tully, was designed to address the external issues that have been affecting the profitability of this business and livelihood.
The priority was to generate further efficiencies and also provide a tangible reduction in electricity costs through increased energy independence.
A comprehensive installation included 172 solar panels, by award winning manufacturer Longi, an SMA 50 kW inverter, creating a total system capacity of 70 kWp. Together, this is transforming the farm into a clean, renewable energy landscape.
Challenges and Solutions
Paul Tully, the owner of Tully Pig Farms, embarked on a solar PV project in response to the rising and unpredictable costs of energy. The positive production capacity of solar panels is proven and providing Paul with more certainty and financial stability.
A summary of other key factors are discussed below:
- Energy Cost Concerns.
- Rising energy costs prompted Paul to explore alternative energy sources.
- Solar PV presented itself as a logical choice for long-term energy cost reduction.
- Payback Period.
- Paul’s primary concern was the payback period.
- With MarVal Power’s expertise and assistance, he will have a promising payback period of around 4-5 years, achieving a remarkable 20% annual return on investment.
- System Quality.
- Paul wanted assurance regarding system quality and projected generation integrity.
- MarVal Power’s commitment to proper installation and quality panels, backed by real-time monitoring, addressed these concerns.
- Contractor Selection.
- Paul chose MarVal Power because he felt we were genuine.
- He appreciated the step-by-step guidance provided by Stan, one of technical experts from MarVal Power.
- TAMS Application.
- The project encountered a few challenges related to TAMS approval, which MarVal Power navigated competently.
- Obtaining TAMS approval was well worth it, with grants covering 40% to 60% of costs.
Project Impact and Recommendations
The solar system has already demonstrated its impact by producing around 22% of Paul’s power year-to-date. He highly recommends MarVal Power to other businesses due to their commitment to quality installation and their ability to meet performance projections.
Key Benefits for Paul Tully
- Avoided rising electricity costs despite an unfavourable year.
- A projected 12% annual return on investment.
- Quick payback period of 4-5 years.
- MarVal Power’s commitment to thorough installation process and quality panels.
- Immediate switch-on after installation completion.
Project Steps
- Planning and Assessment.
- Our team conducted a thorough site assessment to determine the optimal solar panel placement for maximum energy generation.
- Installation.
- The solar panels, inverter, and associated equipment were carefully installed according to industry best practices.
- Testing and Commissioning.
- Rigorous testing ensured that the system was functioning optimally and ready to produce clean energy.
- Ongoing Monitoring.
- Our solar PV system is equipped with monitoring tools to track energy production, ensuring its efficiency over time.
Conclusion
Paul Tully’s experience with MarVal Power showcases the significant benefits of solar PV for businesses. MarVal Power’s expertise, quality installations, and commitment to customer satisfaction have made a substantial impact on Paul’s energy costs and sustainability goals.
This successful partnership highlights the potential for renewable solar energy to transform the agricultural sector and inspire others to embrace sustainability.