New Solar Guide Illuminates Pathways to Energy Savings and Emissions Reduction for Irish Dairy Farmers
Key Insights
Teagasc and Munster Technological University have launched a new guide to help Irish dairy farmers reduce energy costs and emissions through solar PV.
The guide provides practical information on solar system assessment, installation, and benefits, including financial incentives like the 60% TAMS grant and the new SRESS.
Dairy farms with high energy demands for milking, cooling, and water heating are particularly well-suited for solar integration, offering significant CO2 emission reductions.
The initiative aims to enhance farm resilience and profitability, positioning solar PV as a strategic investment rather than merely an environmental choice for the agricultural sector.
Dublin, Ireland – A comprehensive new guide, jointly developed by Teagasc and Munster Technological University (MTU), was launched today, July 2, 2025, offering Irish dairy farmers critical insights into leveraging solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The publication, titled “A Solar Energy Guide for Dairy Farms,” was officially unveiled by Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, at the Teagasc Dairy Open Day in Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork.
The guide provides clear, evidence-based information on the assessment, installation, and operational benefits of solar PV systems, specifically tailored for the high energy demands of dairy farms. Operations involving milking, milk cooling, and water heating are identified as particularly suited for solar integration, given their substantial electricity consumption. The resource includes real-world case studies and detailed financial payback examples, illustrating the tangible economic advantages for farm owners.
Crucially, the publication addresses common farmer inquiries regarding system design, planning permission requirements, and the integration of battery storage solutions. It offers up-to-date information on key government support mechanisms, including the 60% grant available under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3), current export tariffs, and details on the newly introduced Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS). Furthermore, the guide highlights FaRMOT, a free online tool developed by MTU and Teagasc, designed to assist farmers in optimizing their energy savings through informed decision-making.
Dr. John Upton of Teagasc, the lead author, emphasized the strategic shift in perception, stating, “This guide will help farmers make confident, informed decisions. Solar PV is no longer just a green option; it is a smart investment that supports farm resilience.” Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the adoption of solar PV systems contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. For instance, a typical 26 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar installation on a dairy farm is projected to offset approximately 7.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, demonstrating the agricultural sector's vital role in achieving Ireland’s national climate targets.
The launch of this guide underscores Teagasc’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainability and energy efficiency across Irish agriculture. It represents a significant step towards enabling dairy farmers to enhance their economic viability while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint, aligning with broader national and European renewable energy objectives.