Farmers are showing greater interest than ever before in renewable energy technologies, according to one of the leading companies in the sector.

Eco Environments, which is exhibiting at the FIT for Farming event at Aintree Racecourse on Thursday (March 15) says the appetite for information about schemes involving solar PV and wind turbines is at an all-time high.

David Hunt, sales and marketing director with Eco Environments, said: “An ever increasing number of farmers and landowners are contacting us to find out about the range of renewable energy technologies available to them.

“The three key issues they want to discuss are planning requirements, funding routes available for schemes and the eye-catching feed-in-tariff incentives they can secure by going ahead with an installation.

“Farms are ideal for renewable energy schemes because they often have large, shade-free buildings perfect for housing solar panels or large open spaces which are ideal for siting  wind turbines.

“Energy bills and running costs can be reduced significantly through generating electricity and farmers can also help to protect themselves against the future expected rises in electricity prices.

Eco Environments, which has offices across England and Wales including a head office in Liverpool, even has a special web tool available on its website - http://www.eco-environments.co.uk/windpower/windspeedcalculator.phuse - allowing potential customers to measure the wind speeds in their area, enabling them to calculate the income/savings they can expect if they go ahead with a turbine scheme.

North Wales farmer Edwin Hughes is one of a growing number of farmers in the UK to install solar panels on their farm buildings.

Edwin, of Cornist Ganol Farm in Flint, brought in Eco Environments to handle the project which saw a 19.62kWp solar PV system – consisting of 90 Hyundai SF218 panels – installed at the farm.

It is estimated that Mr Hughes’ system will produce around 15,692 kWh of electricity a year which will earn him more than £5,162 a year in Feed-in-Tariff payments. He will also save around £1,330 a year generating his own electricity and £97 by exporting any excess power generated. The total income/saving of £6,590 a year gives the farm a 22.69% return on investment annually and within seven years, the system will have paid for itself.

Edwin Hughes said: “I spoke to a number of renewable energy companies and I chose Eco Environments after hearing about a friend’s good experience and because they have the edge in terms of experience in their sector.

“All aspects of the installation process from first contact were professional and I would have no hesitation recommending the company to other farmers in the region.”