Farm energy in changed times

I have to agree, with the tractor runs at the moment, it's very bad optics for anyone campaigning for fuel supports. At least limiting to charity working days or vintage displays would be some compromise.

Solar may not be the best option for the grid, but from my limited experience of our recent install it seems to be a no brainer for our domestic self consumption, finance is less than our previous bills and it is generating all we can use at the moment + surplus to the grid.

Diesel is still king for large vehicles, I guess the future will be a mix of technology, electric could definitely work for yard equipment and a mix of hydrogen and more traditional ICE engines with alternative fuels, PPO/HVO, methane etc. But there needs to be infrastructure to deliver. There's not really many practical options out there at the moment and it will be a long time transitioning compared with cars due to how long we maintain and operate farm equipment. Unless there is a real long term shortage of fuel I can't see much changing anytime soon.

I think it’s bad policy that the government reduced the grant on solar.
surely getting more out there with battery storage is a no brainier

Buying an electric car is a no brainer for sole traders, self employed or businesses at present. You can claim the total 24k car depreciation allowance in one year like other solar/ green energy allowances. That allowance is due to end December 26, however the government may renew in 2027.

We purchased an electric car in March. Its like driving a high preforance petrol car, although I am beyond that stage. At this stage yes it getting used more as it less than 2c/ km to run. A diesel ICE that is doing 50 mpg is costing 11c/ km. Ww intend to put solar in the end ⁸of the year.

For anyone doing a solar project start to consider a battery. In Holland and Belgium more and more they are looking at doing away with FIT because of the effect the domestic solar has on the low voltage network. They are pushing for solar produced on the LVN to be used by the owner.

Technology can change and adapt very fast. Look at mobile phone and labtops. From a standing start in the late 198O's to 2000 they changed voice telecommunications, then from 2010 to 2020 they again changed how we used telecommunications.

At present it seems that battery technology will be where the biggest change may take place. As well use of electric engines may be an option for slurry spreading using reels and wrapping bales in yards, robotic and batteries for yard and slat cleaning, quads and other small machines.

Recently bought a battery operated knapsack sprayer. If you had enough 10L drums, I think I could put out 70-80L / hour. I be faster than using a tractor sprayer by myself especially when you allow for putting on and off the sprayer. Easier on the knees as well..

Not as much from battery to domestic as its rectified and it should be smoothed by the battery. There is an issue where you export for FIT or if you have no battery as voltage would be more variable.

Motors generally should not be a serious issue, its electronics which are compromised by variable voltage. With motors you may suffer a bit from variavle power issue

I would say its relatively clean compared with generators and the like, the inverter is grid tied which means it depends on the grid for frequency generation, there will be spikes and dips when you turn on something large but if you watch the power meters there is actually a momentary draw or push to/from the grid when that happens.

I've emergency backup from the battery in the case of a power failure for one circuit which consists of a double socket, when the grid goes down I believe it momentarily will go down too while the inverter isolates from the grid and starts it's own frequency generation.

After checking it on line I get two different versions. One says there is a private use limit one says thete is no private use charge back. Check with your accountant. Mine gave me the 24k was completely useable.

Its a legal requirements to provide drying area's, dining and hygiene faculities on large sites. The local authorities provide mobile facilities at even the smallest of work locations. Gone are the days of hopping behind the ditch to do your business.

A farmhouse is a business premises. My son when he build his new house hs put a toilet sink and shower inside the back door off the utility room. He has adapted the utility putting in dirty boot box and coat cubboard.

Gone are the days when workers are expected to wash in a basin and sh!t behind a ditch. Why should farming be different and why should they not allow for such facts in there business accounts

Many business and professions write down such costs. When employees started working from home tax laws chnged to accommodate this. Employers have often refunded employees certin utility costs where they provide faculities.

Self employed plumber would be entitled to claim his part of his electricity heating, phone and broadband costs. Not only that but laundry and dryings costs And 66% business is a fairly common standard.

Yes my jeep is claimed. Its a passenger vehicle 2010 RAV. The accountant lobs all motoring expenses together and claims 66%. The 24k allowance for the electric car is now lobbed into that equation.

I gave the UK tax as an example of how other jurisdictions are giving tax reliefs to encourage renewable's.

Talking to a larger subcontractor a while back and at this stage alot of the cash he gets is used to pay lads to work Saturday. Its the only way they are willing to work them now. At time and a half the still end up with less per day than working during the week.