ESP Energy was chosen to deliver a 680kW roof-mounted solar PV system for one of Europe’s largest independent soft fruit growers, based in Herefordshire, UK. Supplying strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and British asparagus to major retailers, the grower needed a clean, cost-effective way to power cold stores, irrigation systems, and processing infrastructure while improving sustainability across operations. The system offsets over 501,000 kWh of electricity annually, reducing reliance on the grid and achieving annual savings of more than £130,000. With a payback period of less than 4 years, this installation supports the grower’s long-term environmental goals while securing energy price stability in an energy-intensive industry. The project was delivered entirely by ESP Energy’s in-house team, ensuring seamless design, supply, and installation.
Key Benefits Offset 501,000+ kWh of energy use annually £130,000+ annual savings on electricity bills Over 115 tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved per year Rapid return on investment in just 3.5 years System designed around peak demand of soft fruit production and refrigeration Supporting net zero goals in UK food and farming supply chains Renewable electricity powering core farming operations Huge financial savings in a high-consumption rural sector Supporting net zero and sustainable UK food production