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Case Studies

Patrick Dean Farms Ltd - Lincolnshire

Patrick Dean Farms Ltd - Lincolnshire

Sector: Commercial/Agriculture
Project: Solar PV Installation
Location: Lincolnshire
Size: 200Kwp
Energy Output:170,000kWh per year
Carbon Saving: 90 tonnes of CO2 per year
 

Whilst running a highly efficient pig unit, rising energy prices are an ongoing concern to us and we have been looking at ways to reduce risk and costs.  Solar PV is a sound investment both financially and in reducing our exposure to market fluctuations.  TGE Group clearly understood our requirements and worked efficiently, minimising time and disruption on site.”
Alastair Priestley, Managing Director, Patrick Dean Ltd, East Mere Farm

The Project

Lincolnshire based Patrick Dean Ltd, is a highly progressive private farming company of arable and mixed livestock covering 1,500 hectares.  The farm includes a 570 sow pig unit producing 14,000 pigs a year for Morrisons supermarket.

The Solution 

TGE Group was contracted to install a three-phase solar PV installation, with 148kWp installation a pig unit. This system was split between a roof mounted system alongside a ground mounted array linked to separate MPANs, maximising space and return. A further 50kWp roof top array was installed on a potato store building. A total of 713 Trina 280W panels were used along with 13 SMA inverters.

As part of the installation TGE Group organised the site survey, design and layout, DNO application, EPC exemption, structural survey and planning assistance for the ground mounted array.  Commercial roof mounted systems of this size no longer require planning, streamlining the installation process further and reducing capital outlay.  During the installation at the pig unit, the team organised cabling and ground works, G59 relay and witness testing along with a mains RCD Unit for PV system protection.  Monitoring was added to ensure optimum performance is maintained and any drop in output triggers an immediate alert.

Energy Saved

The combined 200kWp solar PV installations will have a significant impact on farm energy bills and will continue generating electricity for use in the buildings long after the 20 year feed-in tariff finishes.  The farm expects to use 100% of electricity generated on site at the pig unit, which has a fairly constant electricity demand during the year from heating and cooling. Around 75% of power generated at the potato store will be used with a refrigeration system running 10 months of the year. The installation will give Patrick Dean Ltd a 7 year payback and over 13% return on investment.