01/09/2026
Third-generation dairy farmer Shane Hegarty farms alongside his parents near Kilcock, Co. Meath, milking 50 Friesian cows alongside a calf-to-beef enterprise. 🐄
With milking, milk cooling and water heating all contributing to the farm’s electricity demand, investing in solar was a “no-brainer” for Shane, allowing him to capture free energy while significantly reducing the cost of running the farm.
With panels facing east and west, Shane can generate solar power around key milking times. He also uses an eddi diverter, ensuring excess solar energy is put to good use – first charging the batteries, then cooling milk or heating water, with any remaining energy exported to the grid, where he receives around 20c/kWh.
Shane also charges the batteries at night using cheaper electricity rates, helping to further reduce his overall energy costs.
👉 Thinking about solar for your farm? Get in touch with the Local Power team today: https://localpower.ie/get-a-quote/