Agri Sector Solar & Battery Storage Case Study

Delivering energy efficiency, reducing grid reliance, and lowering costs at Ford Farms, Ipswich

Maximising Commercial On-Site Energy with Solar + Battery Storage

Ford Farms required a smarter, more efficient way to manage energy across a high-demand agricultural site. By integrating solar PV with AlphaESS commercial battery storage, the site now benefits from improved energy management, reduced grid reliance, and long-term cost savings.

Ford Farms operates in a high-consumption agricultural environment where energy demand fluctuates throughout the day. With grid export limitations in place, maximising on-site energy usage was essential. Working alongside installer partner Styne Renewables, AlphaESS provided a containerised battery storage solution designed to optimise solar performance and support operational resilience.

Project Delivery Partner:
Immersa Limited played a key role in the design, integration, and delivery of the overall system. Their expertise in commercial solar and battery deployment ensured that the AlphaESS technology was effectively implemented, aligned with site requirements, and optimised for long-term performance. This collaborative approach enabled a seamless transition from design through to commissioning, ensuring the system delivers both technical efficiency and commercial value.

Unlocking the full value of renewable generation by ensuring energy is used when and where it is needed most.

DISCOVER THE PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Installer: Styne Renewables

Supplier: Immersa Limited

Client: Ford Farms, Ipswich

Sector: Agriculture, commercial energy user

System Specification:

95kWp ground-mounted solar PV system
100kW / 443kWh AlphaESS battery energy storage system
215kWp DC-coupled solar integration

Objectives:

Reduce grid dependency
Maximise solar self-consumption
Improve long-term energy cost control

At Ford Farms, the goal was to create a system that functions under real-world conditions, not just on paper. Integrating AlphaESS batteries with a well-designed solar PV maximised on-site energy and maintained efficiency within grid limits.

Immersa Limited

Creating future-proof commercial renewable energy

Like many commercial and agricultural sites across the UK, Ford Farms faced a combination of rising electricity costs, tariff volatility, and limited ability to export excess solar energy. These constraints were compounded by high and variable energy demand, making it increasingly difficult to manage energy efficiently and cost-effectively.

There was also a clear need for a more resilient, future-ready energy solution. Without battery storage, a significant proportion of on-site solar energy would be lost or underutilised, reducing the overall value of the system.

The AlphaESS Containerised Battery Energy Storage Solution

AlphaESS delivered a containerised commercial battery energy storage system, designed to integrate seamlessly with large-scale solar PV.

Key Features:

High-capacity lithium battery storage for commercial use
DC-coupled system design to improve efficiency
Intelligent energy management system (EMS)
Scalable architecture for future expansion

Using DC coupling reduces energy conversion losses and allows more solar energy to be stored directly, increasing overall system efficiency.

How the AlphaESS System Works

The AlphaESS system actively manages energy flow across the site, storing excess solar energy generated during the day and discharging it during peak demand periods. This intelligent control reduces reliance on grid electricity while ensuring energy is used at the most cost-effective times.

By optimising energy usage within grid constraints, the system enables the site to operate with greater independence, stability, and predictability, supporting both operational performance and long-term cost efficiency.

System Features and Benefits

High-performance commercial battery system: The AlphaESS solution is designed for large-scale applications, providing reliable energy storage that supports high and variable demand while maximising the value of on-site solar generation.
Efficient DC-coupled integration: By directly coupling a portion of the solar PV system to the battery, energy losses are reduced and more generation is captured and stored, improving overall system efficiency.
Intelligent energy management and remote monitoring: Advanced control systems optimise the timing of energy storage and discharge, while remote monitoring ensures sustained performance, system visibility, and long-term operational confidence.

Performance & Results

The system is delivering measurable operational and financial benefits:

Increased self-consumption of solar energy
Reduced peak electricity costs
Lower reliance on grid imports
Improved energy resilience and continuity
Reduced carbon footprint

The integration of battery storage has transformed the solar installation into a fully optimised energy solution.

Solar and Battery Storage Creating

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Reduction in Grid Import Energy

Why Battery Storage Matters and Why Choose AlphaESS UK

For UK businesses facing grid constraints and rising energy costs, battery storage is no longer optional. It enables greater control over energy usage through load shifting, reduces reliance on the grid, and improves the overall return on solar investment. At the same time, it supports stronger sustainability performance by maximising the use of on-site renewable energy.

AlphaESS combines these benefits with proven, scalable technology designed for commercial applications. Our systems integrate seamlessly with solar PV, supported by advanced energy management and a dedicated UK installer and support network. This ensures every solution is not only technically robust but also optimised for long-term performance and real-world operational demands.

Learn more about our AlphaESS Commercial Battery Storage Systems and explore our Commercial Battery Storage Solutions UK to see how we can support your project.

Helping Create Sustainable Energy Partnerships

AlphaESS UK partners with UK experts in commercial renewable energy design and installation, such as Immersa, who work with clients to convert renewable energy opportunities into sustainable, completed projects that deliver long-term benefits and cost savings. If you have a project you would like to discuss, please get in touch with our UK team.

Call 0330 0432610 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can also click here to explore our installer network and use our enquiry form to start your journey.

RESOURCES

You can learn more about Immersa by visiting our Partner Spotlight

To explore the AlphaESS UK Commercial Battery Energy Storage System Range, click here

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