Solar Energy Case Study: Hall Farm Lets One Year On
One year on from installation, Danny at Hall Farm Lets is seeing the real business benefits of investing in solar energy.
As a letting business with a stable yard, swimming pool and hot tub on site, Hall Farm Lets is a heavy energy user. Rising running costs, electricity use and fluctuating oil prices all played a part in Danny’s decision to look at solar as a long-term solution.
The result is a solar PV system that is now producing around 20,000 kWh per year, helping to dramatically reduce bills and support the day-to-day running of the business.
The challenge: rising running costs
For businesses like Hall Farm Lets, energy use is not just occasional — it is part of daily operations.
With guest accommodation, a stable yard, pool and hot tub all contributing to energy demand, Danny needed a solution that could help reduce running costs while making better use of the space available on site.
Oil costs were also a concern. With pool heating traditionally relying on oil, and prices fluctuating due to wider global uncertainty, including the Middle East crisis, reducing reliance on oil became increasingly important.
At one point, Danny was paying around £1 per litre for oil, making energy efficiency and on-site generation a key business priority.
The solution: a tailored solar energy system
To help Hall Farm Lets make the most of its available roof space, a solar PV system was installed across both the front and back roof areas.
The system includes:
- 56 x 440W Jinko Solar panels
- Front and back roof installation
- 2 x 8kW SolaX inverters
- G98 – 3 phase 10kW connection
The system was designed to support the business’s day-to-day energy use, reduce reliance on grid electricity, and allow Hall Farm Lets to use more of the power it generates on site.
The impact one year on
After one year of using solar energy, Danny has seen a significant difference.
In the darker months, generation is naturally slightly lower. However, during brighter periods of the year, the difference has been dramatic, with bills reduced significantly.
On sunny days, the system can help run the letting business at no charge by using the solar energy being generated on site.
For a high-energy-use business, this has made a clear impact.
Reducing electricity and oil costs
One of the biggest benefits for Hall Farm Lets has been the ability to use solar energy beyond standard electricity use.
Because the site includes a pool and hot tub, Danny has started using electric heating when the sun is out. This means the business can make better use of the solar power being generated during the day.
As Danny explained, the business now sets the pool and hot tub to heat when solar generation is strong, then allows them to drop down when needed.
This has helped reduce not only electricity bills, but oil bills too.
Simple to manage day to day
Another key benefit is how easy the system is to manage.
The solar app allows Danny to see what the system is generating each day, as well as what is being exported back to the grid. This gives a clear view of performance and helps the business understand exactly how the system is working.
The system largely looks after itself, making it a practical solution for a busy letting business.
Danny’s advice to other business owners
For other business owners considering something similar, Danny sees solar as a clear business calculation.
“Check it out. It’s a mathematical calculation — what will it cost to install, how much can you use, how much can you export, and what’s your payback? We’ll pay for our system within three years, and from then on it’s free energy. It’s a no-brainer for us.”
A long-term investment in solar energy
For Hall Farm Lets, solar energy has delivered clear benefits one year on.
The system is helping reduce running costs, lower reliance on oil, make better use of available roof space and support a high-energy-use business with clean energy generated on site.
With an expected payback period of within three years, Danny’s solar installation is already proving to be a smart long-term investment for the business.
Thinking about solar energy for your business?
If your business has high energy use, available roof space or rising running costs, solar energy could help you take more control over your bills.
From system design and installation to performance monitoring, a tailored solar PV system can help your business generate clean energy on site and reduce long-term operating costs.
Get in touch with our team to find out whether solar energy could work for your business.
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