Managing farmland today is not easy - costs keep rising, margins are tight, and long-term certainty is hard to come by.

Solar has become a reliable option for farmers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

It pays out regardless of the weather, delivers guaranteed long-term income and supports the land, the local community and the environment.

Every solar project generates low-carbon renewable electricity for homes, and businesses, and helps both governments meet essential emissions and energy-mix targets.

A solar lease is straightforward and financially strong giving farmers a stable, index-linked income for decades, while still keeping land productive.

Sheep grazing can continue as normal once the panels are in place, meaning your acres can earn twice - through energy and flock income.

Projects typically run for up to 40 years, with rental income usually paid per acre, above standard agricultural lease rates, and fixed with index-linking.

This creates a secure, predictable revenue stream that supports succession planning and keeps farms in the family.

Banks and lenders generally take a positive view of solar rental income, and many landowners have used this revenue stream to secure additional financing.

Land quality

Land quality can also benefit. Unlike many forms of development, solar farms involve limited soil disturbance, and the land can be returned to its original condition, or better, at the end of the project.

Research from Lancaster University suggests that solar farms can support soil health by reducing disturbance, maintaining permanent grass cover and enabling sheep grazing.

In short, solar supports food production, strengthens the energy mix and delivers long-term income – a win-win for farmers.

At Lightsource bp we believe renewable energy projects should deliver benefits that are shared with the local community.

Alongside supporting jobs and creating opportunities for local suppliers, our projects deliver dedicated community benefit funding to help support local initiatives, strengthen community development and promote energy awareness and efficiency.

The experience of farmers already involved in solar projects demonstrates how renewable energy can complement, rather than compete with, agriculture.

The video testimonial below features a farmer whose land hosts an operational solar farm in Northern Ireland.

He describes how a solar lease has provided predictable long-term income while allowing sheep grazing to continue across the site.

The project has also created additional opportunities for the wider farm business, illustrating how solar can support farm diversification while keeping land in productive agricultural use.

Our approach centres on genuine partnership and respect for local communities.

With a proven, first-class track record, we are an ideal partner for landowners looking to maximise the value of their land, secure stable long-term income and contribute towards the energy transition.

If you want to know more about how solar can support your business, then get in touch with our solar experts by email at [email protected] or [email protected], or by calling us on +353 (0)1 685 6263 or +44 (0)28 942 40923.