Shepherds Lodge Farm, a busy dairy operation nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, has taken a major step toward energy independence with a new high‑performance Solar PV system delivered by Tate Solar. Supplying Arla and producing around 4,000 litres of milk per day from over 150 cows, the farm required a clean‑energy solution capable of cutting rising energy costs without interrupting everyday operations.
The project forms part of a wider pilot initiative led by Nidderdale National Landscape, supported by DEFRA climate funding, to understand how solar power paired with battery storage can benefit farms with high energy usage. Marian Wilby, Farm Conservation Advisor for Nidderdale National Landscape, has worked closely with farm owner David Smith throughout the planning and application process.
“We were keen to run a pilot scheme to understand how switching to solar could support farms with particularly high electricity demands,” Marian explains. “Shepherds Lodge Farm was an ideal candidate as dairy farms often operate in the dark for seven months of the year during milking, so energy use is naturally high. We wanted to see how solar, combined with battery storage, could deliver a more efficient and resilient way of generating power.”
A Future‑Fit Energy System for a Future‑Focused Farm
The two‑week installation, jointly funded by Nidderdale Council, features a 67kW solar array made up of 132 high‑efficiency panels. The system is paired with a SIG Energy hybrid inverter and a substantial 60kW battery unit, enabling the farm to continue using renewable power well into the evening.
Cabling was expertly routed from the roof‑mounted panels through the barn buildings and directly into the main meter, an approach designed to avoid disruption while future‑proofing the setup for years to come.
“It made a huge difference that Tate Solar is part of a long‑established local business with deep roots in rural communities,” she says. “Many farmers already recognise the Tate name because of their fuel supply work over the years. On this project we didn’t have the luxury of a long lead‑in time, so having a local team able to mobilise quickly and deliver the full installation in just two weeks was incredibly valuable. This was my first solar project, so working with true experts has been invaluable.”
She also highlighted the importance of minimising impact on the landscape:
“It’s very reassuring that the solar system can be retrofitted to existing agricultural buildings, meaning no loss of land and no intrusion on the landscape.”
Andy McAllister, Head of Renewables at Tate Solar, agrees:
“The farm had excellent roof space, so we were able to install the entire system without taking up any ground area. Farms like Shepherds Lodge run on tight schedules, so completing the project quickly and without disruption was essential.”
Immediate Savings, Long‑Term Benefits
With rising electricity and fuel prices placing growing pressure on rural businesses, Shepherds Lodge Farm can now generate its own clean power, effectively operating as its own renewable energy station.
The installation is projected to reduce annual energy bills by an impressive 60%, delivering, in this case, a rapid two‑year payback period (for the farm), before continuing to generate long‑term financial and carbon‑saving benefits.
Farm owner David Smith is already seeing results:
“We’ve wanted to become more energy independent for years, but we needed a partner who understood farming. Tate Solar delivered exactly what we needed, no disruption, clear communication, and a system that will save us a huge amount of money. Knowing we’re generating our own power gives us much more confidence for the future.”
Marian adds that the success of this installation is crucial for the wider farming community:
“The aim is that this pilot provides the evidence we need to demonstrate demand and unlock further funding. In a rapidly changing climate, with soaring energy costs and shrinking farm incomes, improving efficiency is essential to keeping farms viable. Farmers here in Nidderdale, and across the UK, are deeply concerned about energy prices. Projects like this give us a pathway to support them.”
Bringing Trusted Tate Values to Clean Energy
Tate Solar was established to support homes, businesses, and farms on the road to Net Zero. Drawing on a century‑long heritage of trust, innovation, and service through the Tate Family of Companies, the business focuses on delivering high‑performance renewable systems engineered for reliability.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our region,” says Andy McAllister. “Our goal is to help farms take control of their energy future with clean, local power that pays for itself quickly and supports long‑term sustainability.”
A Successful Project, a Stronger Future
The Shepherds Lodge Farm installation stands as a compelling example of how modern Solar PV and battery storage can transform the resilience and economics of rural businesses. With zero operational downtime, fast installation, and exceptional projected savings, the project demonstrates how local partnerships and smart energy solutions can power a more sustainable future for Yorkshire’s farming communities.
