A hangar full of space is not yet a good project
In Switzerland, agricultural buildings often offer simple roofs, large and not very shaded. This is a major asset. But profitability depends also the consumption profile of the farm, the condition of the roof, the available connection and the investment schedule.
Here's a five-step method for avoiding oversized projects or poorly sequenced.
The method in 5 steps
Measure the energy needs of the operation
Start with actual consumption: milking, ventilation, cooling, pumps, drying, workshops, attached accommodation or future electrical charges. A agricultural building does not have a standard load profile.
It is therefore necessary to identify what can be self-consumed locally before thinking only about the roof surface.
Check roof condition and structural compatibility
A large roof is worthless if it has to be taken over in two years. Before any sizing, it is necessary check the roofing, the framework, the site access, security constraints and the general state of the building.
On an agricultural building, the structural question must precede the photovoltaic question.
Choose the right energy recovery model
Some projects have an interest in maximizing self-consumption on site. Others bet more on the valorization of the roof with a logic injection. The right choice depends on the load profile, local DSO and the relevant power level.
It is not the same economy depending on whether we supply agricultural equipment during the day or that we export the majority of production.
Size with the network and future uses in mind
An agricultural building can evolve: new equipment, electrification of a process, terminal, storage, or second connected building. It is necessary to dimension with this margin of development, without forgetting the limits of connection to the network.
The good project is scalable, not just maximal.
Secure economical assembly and phasing of the site
On a farm, the calendar matters a lot: harvests, access, availability of buildings, cash flow and investment priorities. You have to compare the cost, the aid that can be mobilized, the rate of amortization and the operating constraints.
A profitable agricultural installation is first and foremost a installation compatible with real life exploitation.
What good agricultural projects have in common
They are not satisfied with great power. They articulate structure, local consumption, connection, budget and agricultural calendar. This is what which transforms a large roof into a truly useful energy asset.