With Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems now becoming a popular agricultural investment, Mr Richard Tonks of St Ewe Free Range Eggs is putting in to place phase two of his journey into smart investing, energy independence and becoming a low carbon, environmentally friendly business.

Mr Tonks realised last year that a professionally installed solar PV system could generate a much greater income for him than he would receive by simply leaving his money in the bank.

In fact, solar PV pays double the rate of return of any savings account.

Last year Mr Tonks decided to invest in a 24kWp Suntech system from Cornwall Solar Panels and opted for this install to be fitted by the company’s qualified roofers and electricians on two of his barn roofs. The 24kWp system is providing Mr Tonks with a year round inflation linked income that is guaranteed for the next 20 years.

Using independent modelling software, Cornwall Solar Panels designed Mr Tonks a bespoke system, in order to maximise the installations output. This software also calculated that Mr Tonks’s system should be paid off in just over six years, leaving 14 years of clear profit; that’s a pretty good payback given the current economics in agriculture.

Mr Tonks was so impressed with the returns, installation and the service that he received from Cornwall Solar Panels that he decided to have a further 50kWp system installed on a ground mounted array. The 50kWp ReneSolar system is made up of 200 panels each with an output of 250W, together the system is estimated to deliver an output of 53,124 units each year.

Mr Tonks will now concentrate on looking at how to utilise what he’s generated in the most effective way before selling any excess back to the grid. Knowing your basic low level energy consumption and then which machinery, pumps, motors and/or lights increase that usage to a peak, is the first step to reducing your electricity bill.

Smart metering can be a great, cost effective way of monitoring the difference between what is generated by your solar PV and what is still being demanded from the grid.

Why is this important?

Because with this data, you will be able to make a better informed decision that guides a change in your consumption habits, ultimately making an even greater impact on those excessively priced energy bills.

Cornwall Solar Panels are installers of both Solar PV and Solar Thermal. Recently awarded the accolade of the Best New Renewable Installer within the UK, they can be found in Blackwater, Truro, Cornwall. 

  •  Cornwall Solar Panels are part of a larger portfolio of Cornish businesses comprising of Cornwall Electricians, Cornwall Roofers and Cornwall Smart Homes.