Wind power for agricultural efficiency: generate your own electricity right where you need it

With current high energy prices and a move towards more sustainability in agriculture, farms are increasingly turning to small wind turbines to help reduce energy costs and enhance operational efficiency.

Many farmers have already taken advantage of large barn roofs by installing solar panels, but find a drop off in energy production during the winter months when energy demand can be at its highest. 

Wind turbines tend to be most productive when solar is least productive, so they are very complimentary renewable energy sources.  Combining the systems with battery storage ensures a consistent and reliable energy supply throughout the year.  Especially important if you have large, constant loads that need to run 24 hours a day, 12 months of the year.

Grain dryers, greenhouses, heating, cooling and lighting in farm buildings can all be energy intensive and costly. Small wind turbines can provide a reliable, renewable energy source to ensure your farm can stay productive year round even during power outages or grid fluctuations.

Although there are no government incentives currently, some local grants may be available in your area.

Introducing Britwind's Agricultural Wind Turbines

At Britwind, we specialise in small-scale wind turbines designed to meet the unique demands of agricultural settings. Our product range includes:​

• H5 (R9000) 5kW Wind Turbine: Ideal for farms requiring moderate energy, the H5 operates efficiently across various wind conditions, ensuring a reliable power source.

• H11 11kW Wind Turbine: Designed for optimal performance in areas with lower wind speeds, the H11 delivers consistent energy output, making it suitable for diverse agricultural applications.

• H15 15kW Wind Turbine: Tailored for high-wind regions, the H15 provides substantial energy yields, supporting larger agricultural operations with significant power needs.

Key benefits of small wind turbines for farms

Lower energy bills - Unlike large wind turbines which generate energy to feed the grid, small scale wind turbines generate energy that you can use wherever you need it.  This means less reliance on importing electricity from the grid and therefore lower energy bills and protection from future energy price hikes or supply issues. The savings can be reinvested into other areas of your business improving overall efficiency and sustainability.

Scale able for individual farm needs - Dependent on individual site requirements, turbines can be installed in singles or multiples providing flexibility to scale up generation and power different parts of the farm.

Year round energy production - Britwind wind turbines are designed to be efficient and cost effective, providing power even at lower wind speeds and able to continue generating during periods of high winds.  As long as there is some wind, they will generate day and night.

Energy security – With a small wind turbine you can become less dependent on external energy suppliers. This ensures your operations continue running smoothly even during power outages or price hikes in electricity.

No grid connection required - If your site is off grid or you have an unreliable energy supply, investing in a wind turbine can be a vital part of your own long term energy generation without the need to pay for expensive grid connections and upgrades.

Reliable & low maintenance – our turbines are specifically designed to be low maintenance, with few wearing parts. To ensure optimum generation we recommend a minimum biannual service, but the rest of the time it can be left alone to power your business and farming can continue around the turbine as normal.

Future proofing your farm - Our turbines have a 20+ year life, so you are investing in the long term energy supply and security or your farm for generations to come.

The 50% First-Year Capital Allowance

For farmers purchasing a small wind turbine, HMRC allows a 50% write-off in the first year. This is under the First-Year Allowance scheme which is available for certain types of energy-saving equipment. By taking advantage of this allowance, farmers are able to write-down half the purchase price of a small wind turbine and associated equipment in the first year, thus reducing their corporation tax liability.

Reducing Inheritance Tax

By writing off 50% of the turbine value in year 1, the value of the farm estate is correspondingly reduced.  Should the farmer unfortunately pass away, the lower value of the estate could therefore benefit from a further tax saving.

Here’s a worked example:

1. Investment made in small wind turbines: For example: £100,000.

2. Write-Off 50% of the investment in year one: Under the first-year allowance, £50,000 is written off in year one.

3. Reduction in corporation tax: The £50,000 write-off reduces corporation tax liability by up to £12,500.

4. Reduction in inheritance tax liability: A further saving of £10,000 could be made through a reduction in inheritance tax.

5. Total tax saving: Up to 22.5% of the purchase price.

This does not constitute financial or tax advice.  Your situation may differ from the example above.  Please speak with your tax advisor or accountant to understand your individual circumstances.