Irish Dairy Farmers Could Save €200,000 With Solar | Ohk energy & ICMSA Join Forces

We’ve been busy behind the scenes at Ohk energy and we’re proud to announce that we’re now the exclusive energy partner of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) and its 15,000 members across the country.

Key takeaways:

• An exclusive ICMSA members’ discount is now available for solar
• Saves up to €200,000 across the lifetime of a typical solar installation
• 60% of installation costs covered by the TAMs grant
• 100% tax write-off in the first year
• Savings on electricity bills start from day one
• Solar increases farm value while boosting energy independence
• Earn money by selling excess power back to the grid
• Denis Drennan (ICMSA president) is encouraging members to get a free Agri Solar Consultation from Ohk energy.

Dairy farming is synonymous with Ireland, and our dairy produce is famous across the globe. But the dairy industry is also tackling the issue of climate change, with a target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 for the agriculture sector overall.

Milking parlours, refrigeration, lighting, and machinery mean dairy farmers face particularly high energy consumption and electricity bills.

As energy costs climb and climate pressures intensify, farmers are discovering a powerful solution to the dual challenge: solar power.

One of the ways farmers can help lower their carbon footprint is by going solar, and we’re proud to partner with the ICMSA to support their members on the decarbonisation journey and to future-proof their farms.

Apart from the green credentials, a switch to solar can help farmers reduce energy costs by saving up to €200,000 across the lifetime of a typical installation.

Once the system is up and running, not only will it cut electricity costs, boost energy independence, and lower carbon footprint – it will increase the value of the business, and farmers can make money by selling excess power back to the grid.

In addition to the very attractive savings, the TAMs grant will cover 60% of the installation cost, and farmers can benefit from a 100% tax write-off in the first year.

ICMSA President, Dennis Drennan recently had solar installed at his farm and he’s already reaping the benefits.

“It really is a no-brainer for farmers, especially with the TAMs grant which means 60% of the install cost is covered.

“I started saving money from day one. I’ve seen a dramatic decrease in my electricity bills already and it’s getting to the stage that, with optimisation of my system, I don’t even know if I’ll have any bills going forward.

“It’s all about long term sustainability for us.”

Gearoid Whelan, CRO at Ohk energy said: “From reducing carbon footprints and saving money on utility bills to increasing property values and achieving energy independence, the appeal of solar panels is undeniable.  We at Ohk energy know that two things all dairy farmer needs are more certainty and control, and that’s certainly what solar panels provide. If you’re generating your own electricity on-site, you’re less affected by wholesale price spikes and, with potential off-grid solutions available, can be less affected by grid instability.

“On top of that, there’s the grants and the 100% tax write-off in the first year. We know investments like this can be intimidating but that’s why we take all the hassle out of it. We’ll come to the farm, do a site assessment, and design a tailor-made system made especially for the farmer and their specific needs. We even handle the grants application.”

Stressing that Ohk energy does not subscribe to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, Mr Whelan said Ohk energy consciously adopts a personal service model that emphasises the individual aspects of each customer.

The ICMSA also stressed the importance of leaving inspection of shed roofs and maintenance of panels to the experts.

While highlighting the many benefits of solar installations on farms, Mr Drennan warned farmers to be conscious that this is technical and specialised work and should only be undertaken by registered and insured specialists.

He added: “We have been very focused on identifying an excellent company that has the size and commitment to match our membership, and the required health and safety protocols, and we are satisfied that Ohk meets all the standards that we set out as required to be selected as ICMSA’s energy partner.

“We are encouraging our members to make contact with them, arrange a consultation and should they decide to proceed, avail of the special ICMSA members’ discount. Farmers are embracing climate change measures and solar is playing a role and ICMSA is confident that our partnership with Ohk will provide a very strong product offering delivering to the highest standards of safety.”

Get details about our Agri Solar Panel Solutions.