Stuchbury Lodge Farm
A working roof, generating energy.
An agricultural building already has an important job to do. At Stuchbury Lodge Farm, its roof became part of the property’s energy supply too. Solar Acre installed the grid-connected array shown here, using existing roof space for solar generation.
The property keeps its connection to the mains, with solar contributing to its electricity supply. The useful starting point is understanding when energy is needed and how the available roof can serve that demand.
For agricultural properties, the practical details matter as much as the panels: roof condition, electrical infrastructure, access and the day-to-day use of the buildings. These are the conversations that turn an available roof into a considered proposal.
Stuchbury Off-grid
Three barns. A different route to power.
Three new barns stood a considerable distance from the main property. Their owner had several ideas for how the space might be used, but one thing was already clear: the buildings needed electricity.
The anticipated cost of bringing a mains supply out to the barns was more than six figures. That was the connection alone; electricity would still have to be bought once the supply arrived. Before committing to that route, the owner asked Solar Acre to explore another approach.
We designed and installed a complete off-grid system using solar generation, Victron equipment and BYD battery storage. The finished system cost substantially less than the quoted mains connection alone, giving the barns their own source of power without running that new supply across the land.
With future uses still developing, the discussion starts with the electricity the buildings need and the equipment that may run together. Off-grid does not mean unlimited energy: generation varies through the year and batteries have finite capacity. We explain those limits and any supplementary supply options as part of designing a practical installation.
Your rural solar journey.
From working farms to remote barns, we design around your property and the power it needs. Here’s how we turn those plans into a practical installation.
01 / Your land & plans
Tell us how the property works today and what may change. We discuss the buildings, operating hours and equipment that needs power, including seasonal demand and any future uses you are considering.
02 / A practical survey
We assess roofs or potential ground locations, shade, access and electrical infrastructure. For remote buildings, distances and existing supply options help establish which routes are worth exploring.
03 / Compare the options
We explain grid-connected solar, storage and off-grid approaches where relevant. Your proposal sets out the equipment, scope and assumptions, including the operating limits of a standalone system.
04 / Prepare the project
We identify any planning and network requirements and agree access, groundwork and installation arrangements. The schedule considers working areas, livestock and the practical use of your land.
05 / Install & test
Our team installs and commissions the agreed system. We check its operation and explain any planned interruptions, access restrictions or work that needs coordinating with other people on site.
06 / Everyday confidence
We show you the monitoring and controls, provide the relevant documents and explain ongoing care. For off-grid systems, we cover energy limits, seasonal use and the agreed backup arrangements.