Client overview
Bellfield Farm, home to The Milk Well, is a family-run dairy farm in Willerby, East Yorkshire. Known for its fresh, unhomogenised milk, the farm sells all of its dairy products directly to customers through on-site vending machines — a farm-to-table model that cuts transport costs and lets the farm run a smaller, more sustainable herd.
The challenge
Constant refrigeration, milking machinery and vending systems meant heavy electricity use and rising bills. The owners wanted a renewable energy solution that would lower consumption and carbon footprint while supporting the farm's long-term finances.
Project goals
Reduce energy costs
Generate clean power on-site for more predictable, affordable electricity.
Enhance sustainability
Power refrigeration and equipment with renewable energy, in line with the farm’s eco-friendly ethos.
Energy independence
Reduce exposure to rising grid prices and supply fluctuations.
The solution
Solar PV system design
After a detailed energy audit, we installed a custom 50kW solar PV system across two roofs, positioned for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year.
Battery storage
A battery storage system captures excess solar for use in the evening, overnight, or on overcast days — and lets the farm avoid drawing from the grid during high-cost periods.
Seamless integration
Installation was scheduled around milking and vending times for zero disruption to daily operations.
Results & benefits
Energy savings
70% reduction in energy costs since installation, by generating most of the farm’s electricity from solar and using battery storage to avoid peak-time grid draw.
Return on investment
VAT reclaim cut the cost from £60,000 to £50,000, and tax write-offs brought it to £40,000 effective cost — with £10,000 in annual savings, reducing payback from 6 years to around 4.
Carbon footprint reduction
Projected to cut carbon emissions by around 37,171kg (37.17 tonnes) of CO2 a year — equivalent to avoiding the burning of 15,360kg of coal.
Energy independence
Solar PV plus battery storage gives the farm far less exposure to fluctuating energy prices and supply issues.
“We have been very pleased with the installation of our solar panel system from Yorkshire Renewable Systems Ltd. Their team have been a pleasure to work with. From the initial contact to the commissioning of the system, they have been very thorough and kept us up to date with the progress, keeping to the time schedule and contacting us when any changes were needed so we knew exactly when they would be on site. We cannot fault their work as everything is neat and tidy and completed to a high standard. We would not hesitate in recommending them for future commissions. Job well done!! Thank you.”
DM Collinson, Owner of Bellfield Farm
