Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent, operated by the Regan family for five generations, is exploring the use of solar technology in strawberry and raspberry cultivation through the "Electric Berry" project. In collaboration with Polysolar Ltd and scientists from the University of Greenwich, the farm has integrated flexible solar panels with polytunnels over its berry crops.
© Hugh Lowe Farms
This initiative aims to generate solar electricity directly on the farm, which can be used to power various agricultural tools and equipment, including harvesting robots, irrigation pumps, and electric vehicles (EVs) for the agronomy team. The use of solar panels on the polytunnels has been designed to maintain crop growth without negatively impacting yield or quality. The setup is on display at the Chelsea Flower Show, showcasing strawberry plants growing under the solar-integrated tunnels.
In addition to solar energy, Hugh Lowe Farms is adopting sustainable practices by using recycled coir substrate instead of peat for berry cultivation. This approach aligns with the farm's efforts to lower carbon emissions and manage production costs. Marion Regan, the owner and manager of Hugh Lowe Farms, highlighted that the project demonstrates the potential for combining renewable energy with sustainable agriculture.
© Hugh Lowe FarmsFor more information:
Marion Regan
Hannah Lawrenson
Hugh Lowe Farms
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 812229
Email: info@hlf.co.uk
www.hughlowefarms.com