An Irish study shows that solar photovoltaic systems can reduce emissions and energy costs on dairy farms, with spring-calving systems showing slightly stronger economic and environmental performance.
Integrating renewable energy into agricultural systems is important for reducing the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Ireland is targeting a 22-30% reduction in agricultural emissions, a 62-81% reduction in the electricity sector, and an 80% renewable electricity share by 2030 (relative to 2018 levels).
A recent study conducted at Maynooth University and Teagasc, funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, carried out a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental assessment of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for two types of dairy farm operations: spring-calving and winter-calving.