Nostell Estate in West Yorkshire were no different, so when it came to building their new grain store, S&A Fabrications were given the task of looking at how they could use the building to reduce costs.

Collaborating with Tornum Ltd, the new facility would boast a 30tph indoor drier, integrated with Skandia Elevator equipment and the Tornum AB Intelligent Drier Control (IDC) software. In addition, Tornum also supplied a low volume aeration system and the innovative Barn Owl ventilation application to ensure the optimal condition of the grain whilst in storage.

The building itself was designed by S&A and had a roof width of 25metres, creating a 1699 metre square area. At this point the solution became obvious. Teaming up with specialist solar installers, 418 solar photo voltaic panels were planned and put in place. By using the edge protection and netting already in place for the build team installing the roof, a smooth transition of work was enabled, saving costs on the installation.

The whole renewables package is completely unseen from the ground below and means that Nostell will be able to run their grain handling system, almost completely free of any energy costs, for many years to come.

With grants often available for such projects, there has never been a better time for introducing renewable energy solutions. S&A are now recommending any farmer looking at a new grainstore, or any building, no matter the size, to consider adding solar panels and to do it right at the start of the process, to allow for maximum cost savings.

For more information, contact Simon at S&A.