Running a farm has never been cheap. Energy costs alone can have a huge impact on profitability, especially for businesses that rely on refrigeration, grain drying, milking equipment, workshops or livestock buildings.

That’s one reason more farms are looking at battery storage.

What is farm battery storage?

Farm battery storage allows farms to store electricity and use it when it’s needed most.

Modern systems, like those designed and installed by OffGrid Pro, automatically charge when electricity prices are low and supply power when rates are higher. This helps reduce energy costs while giving farmers greater control over how and when electricity is used.

Battery storage can also work alongside solar panels, storing excess solar generation for use later in the day, and can provide backup power during grid outages. For many farms, it’s not just about saving money, it’s about improving energy resilience and ensuring critical operations can continue running when power is needed most.

Is battery storage worth it for a farm?

For many farms, absolutely.

Agricultural businesses tend to use a lot of electricity. Milking parlours, refrigeration units, grain dryers, ventilation systems, workshops and machinery all add up.

The more electricity a farm uses, the bigger the opportunity to reduce costs by shifting when that electricity is purchased.

How much electricity does the average farm use in the UK?

There is no true “average” farm when it comes to electricity consumption. Energy use varies significantly depending on the type of farming operation, its size and the equipment being used.

For example, recent industry data suggests a typical dairy farm with around 120 cows may consume approximately 60,000 kWh of electricity per year, although consumption can vary considerably between farms. Some larger dairy, poultry and mixed farms can use well over 100,000 kWh annually.

This is why battery storage systems should always be designed around a farm’s actual energy usage rather than industry averages. Understanding when electricity is being used is often the first step towards reducing costs and improving energy resilience.

How much can a farm save with battery storage?

Every farm is different, but we’ve seen some impressive results.

Many OffGrid Pro customers reduce their electricity costs by 70% or more after installing a battery storage system designed around their specific usage patterns and tariff.

The biggest savings are usually achieved where there is high energy demand and access to time-of-use tariffs. That’s because the battery can charge when electricity is cheap and discharge when prices rise.

It’s not magic. It’s simply buying energy at the right time.

Can battery storage power a farm?

Yes.

The size of the system will determine exactly what can be powered, but battery storage can support a wide range of agricultural operations.

This might include:

• Livestock buildings
• Dairy equipment
• Refrigeration systems
• Workshops
• Irrigation equipment
• Farm offices
• General farm infrastructure

A properly designed system can become a key part of the farm’s energy strategy rather than just another piece of equipment.

Take a look at one of our recent farm projects:

Can battery storage work without solar panels?

Yes.

A lot of people assume solar panels are required, but that’s not the case.

Battery storage systems can charge directly from the grid when electricity prices are low and use that stored energy later. Solar panels can certainly increase savings, but they aren’t essential for battery storage to work effectively.

Some of our most successful installations don’t have solar at all.

What is the best way to use off-peak electricity on a farm?

The best approach is usually to store it.

Many farms consume most of their electricity during the day, which is often when rates are highest. A battery allows you to buy electricity overnight at a lower cost and use it throughout the working day.

Without storage, much of the benefit of cheaper overnight electricity is lost.

How can I future-proof my farm against rising energy costs?

No one knows exactly where energy prices will go in the future.

What we do know is that farms that have greater control over their energy tend to be less exposed to market fluctuations.

Battery storage helps by reducing reliance on expensive peak-rate electricity and making better use of cheaper energy. When combined with solar generation, it can significantly reduce the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid.

It’s not about becoming completely off-grid.

For most farms, it’s about becoming less dependent on factors they can’t control.

Can I protect my farm from power cuts?

Power cuts can be more than an inconvenience on a farm.

A loss of power can affect refrigeration, livestock buildings, communications systems, milking equipment and other critical operations.

One of the major benefits of an OffGrid Pro battery storage system is improved energy resilience. If the grid goes down, the system can continue supplying power using the energy stored in the batteries.

For farms that require even greater protection, battery storage can be integrated with solar generation and automatic backup generators, helping to keep essential systems running when they’re needed most.