31kW Agricultural Solar PV Installation in

The Challenge

Agricultural buildings across the Loughborough area often present unique structural hurdles for solar integration. At Underhill Farm, the client required a high-output system mounted on a traditional fibre cement roof. These surfaces are notoriously brittle and demand precise load-bearing calculations to avoid damage. A standard mounting approach was out of the question; we needed a solution that ensured complete structural integrity without compromising the barn's weatherproofing, whilst also protecting the investment from the local bird population common in rural Leicestershire environments.

The PAC Solution

To overcome the roofing constraints, our engineering team specified a highly specialised Valk cross-rail mounting system. Rather than relying on traditional mounting methods that place stress on the roof surface, we drilled high-grade hanger bolts directly into the underlying metal purlins. This method transfers the entire weight of the 75 Canadian Solar panels straight to the building's robust steel frame.

The array was configured in a portrait orientation to maximise the available roof pitch. For power conversion, we installed a heavy-duty 30kW Solis inverter, strategically mounted inside the barn to shield the critical power electronics from the dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations typical of a working farmyard. Finally, to ensure the long-term reliability of the system and prevent maintenance issues, we fitted high-durability bird mesh around the entire perimeter of the array to stop nesting under the panels.

The Results

The finished project is a high-performing, farm-proof solar installation that generates a massive amount of clean electricity for this Loughborough holding. By leveraging the large, previously underutilised roof space of the fibre cement building, Underhill Farm has successfully insulated their business against volatile commercial energy tariffs.

Yielding over 30,210 kWh annually and cutting carbon emissions by 8 tonnes each year, the 31.13kW system provides a reliable, low-maintenance energy stream that will serve the farm for decades to come.

Ready to reduce your farm's overheads and secure your energy future? Book a survey or get a quote today at https://pac-electrical.co.uk/get-a-quote