At Encom Energy, we’re proud to work with local businesses in the agrifood sector and beyond to help them cut costs and take control of their energy. One of our recent projects was with Ballyard Farm, run by Tom and his dad just outside Armagh city. They needed a system that could handle the high demands of a working farm while keeping future expansion in mind.
We installed a commercial solar and battery storage system that’s now delivering real results, reducing their monthly electricity bills by around a third. Tom describes his experience of working with Encom, from how straightforward the process was to why he’d recommend Encom to other farms, quarries, mines and energy-intensive businesses.
Why should agrifood businesses and farms consider solar panels?
Farms and agrifood businesses face some of the highest energy demands in Northern Ireland. From refrigeration and processing equipment to daily farm operations, electricity costs can quickly become a major overhead. Solar panels allow farms and food producers to generate their own renewable energy on-site, which reduces reliance on the grid and helps protect against rising prices.
At Ballyard Farm, the system is already cutting electricity bills by around 33%. Encom designs every system to suit the unique energy profile of each customer, whether that’s a family-run farm, a food producer or a quarry to ensure maximum return on investment.
How does battery storage support large energy users?
Agrifood processing plants, mines and quarries often run outside daylight hours, meaning they need consistent power supply at all times. Battery storage ensures excess solar energy generated during the day can be stored and used at peak times, reducing the need to buy expensive electricity from the grid.
At Ballyard Farm, battery storage makes sure their energy supply continues after the sun goes down. For larger operations like food factories or quarries, storage offers the same benefits of predictable, reliable and lower-cost energy whenever it’s needed.
Can solar help rural farms and remote sites with limited grid capacity?
Rural businesses often face grid connection challenges. Farms, quarries and mines may require three-phase power to run heavy equipment, but upgrades from the grid can be costly and slow.
The solution we provide includes a battery system capable of providing a three-phase connection directly. This gives the power to run large machinery without relying on expensive grid upgrades. It’s a practical and scalable solution that’s ideal for rural farms, agrifood sites or industrial operations in remote locations.
What is it like working with Encom Energy?
Tom described the process of working with Encom as simple and stress-free. We guided him and his dad through each stage, from design to installation, making sure the system suited their current and future needs.
As Tom explains, he would highly recommend Encom to any other farm, agrifood producer, quarry or mine exploring solar. Our focus is on making the transition easy while delivering lasting energy savings.
Ready to explore solar for your farm, quarry or agrifood business?
If your business is looking to cut costs, reduce carbon and secure a reliable energy future, Encom is here to help. We’re MCS certified, ISO accredited and experienced in delivering large-scale solar and battery systems across Northern Ireland and ROI.
Get in touch today to discuss your project.