We were delighted to see our solar tracking technology featured on BBC North recently, highlighting its application at Our Cow Molly farm shop. This ongoing project demonstrates the practical advantages of integrating advanced solar solutions into modern agriculture.
A key benefit of our trackers is the enhanced energy generation they provide. By automatically following the sun’s movement, they capture more solar energy throughout the day compared to static installations. As noted in our recent LinkedIn update:
“With the government’s announcement of new builds requiring solar from 2027, we’re proud to be part of the BBC Look North’s reporting on UK solar innovation. Our installation at Our Cow Molly is showing the potential energy and ecological benefits to UK farming. It also the importance of thinking differently about solar: we achieve 47% kWh more per panel on 29th April than the adjacent rooftop panels. Solar and sustainable farming – a great combination.”
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323799725915185152
The 47% increase in energy capture illustrates the potential for significant energy gains. Furthermore, our trackers contribute to a more consistent energy supply throughout the day, offering a wider daily generation curve that can better align with farm energy demands.
Beyond energy production, the installation at Our Cow Molly showcases the synergies between solar and land management. The trackers provide shade for livestock, offering a comfortable environment for the sheep.
Moreover, our trackers offer distinct ecological advantages that contribute to a healthier and more productive ecosystem. Unlike fixed solar arrays, the dynamic nature of our trackers actively supports better plant growth. Fixed panels cast consistent shadows, leading to areas with reduced sunlight and potentially hindering vegetation. Our trackers’ movement ensures that no single area remains in constant shade, promoting more uniform and robust plant growth across the pasture, crucial for grazing livestock.
In addition, the movement of our trackers helps maintain more consistent soil moisture. Fixed panels can create rain shadows, leading to uneven water distribution. Our trackers mitigate these effects, allowing for more even rainfall across the land. This consistent moisture helps sustain healthy plant growth and reduces the risk of dry patches, a significant benefit that fixed solar installations cannot provide.