Hedgehope Dairy Farm
Dairy Farm | 800 Cows | Completed January 2025
Project Overview
Ernest Energy partnered with a dairy farm in Hedgehope to deliver a tailored solar solution designed to reduce rising energy costs, improve system efficiency, and future proof the farm’s power infrastructure.
With an 800-cow operation and significant daily energy demand, the farm required a solution that could support both current usage and long-term growth, while addressing existing challenges within their power setup.
The Challenge
Prior to installation, the farm was experiencing increasing power costs alongside inefficiencies in its electrical infrastructure. Operating with two transformers, one servicing the dairy shed and another the barn, created unnecessary complexity and contributed to issues such as phase imbalance and potential phase failure.
The goal was to simplify the system, reduce costs, and maximise on-farm energy use while preparing for future resilience.
The Solution
Ernest Energy designed and installed a 73kW ground-mounted solar system, paired with a 50kW hybrid inverter (battery-ready), allowing the farm to generate and utilise its own renewable energy efficiently.
A key part of the solution was linking the dairy shed and barn through a new power cable, enabling both to draw from the same solar generation. This allowed the removal of the second transformer, simplifying the electrical setup and improving overall efficiency.
The system was carefully designed to maximise the existing transformer connection capacity, ensuring as much solar energy as possible could be used directly on farm.
Installation & Delivery
The installation presented unique site challenges, including positioning the ground-mounted solar array on a slope between the milk tanker track and grazing areas. Custom extension brackets were engineered to suit the terrain and ensure optimal panel positioning.
To minimise disruption to farm operations, all AC electrical work was completed between milking times, ensuring the day to day running of the dairy was not impacted.
Performance & Results
Early performance data shows the system is operating within 5% of modelled expectations, despite a more overcast summer influenced by L Niña weather patterns.
The system is already delivering:
- Reduced power costs and line charges
- Improved energy efficiency across the farm
- A simplified and more robust electrical setup
With the hybrid inverter in place, the client also has the flexibility to add battery storage in a future season, further increasing solar utilisation and providing backup power during outages.
