In 2024, we partnered with Hill Farm to deliver a large-scale solar PV system designed to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability. You can read about their original solar installation project here.
Now, we're back at the farm to help their energy system to take a significant step forward.
The Next Step: Adding Battery Storage
Following the success of the solar installation, the next logical step was to help Hill Farm make better use of the energy they were already producing.
While the existing solar panels are generating a significant amount of power during the day, the farm's energy needs don't always align perfectly with daylight hours. Without storage, excess energy is exported to the grid, often at lower rates than it could be worth at peak times.
Battery storage changes that.
With the addition of battery storage and intelligent energy management, Hill Farm will be able to evolve from simply generating renewable electricity to now operating a far more flexible and resilient energy system.
The benefits of battery storage for the farm include:
- Being able to store excess energy for future use throughout the day
- Reduce reliance on the grid electricity during peak pricing periods
- Increase overall return on their solar investment
- Improve energy security
The System
Hill Farm's existing energy system includes:
- A total of 336kWp of solar generation capacity
- Complemented by two 55kW Endurance E3120 wind turbines
We're back to install an advanced battery system in collaboration with Immersa and Alpha ESS:
- AlphaESS G3-H30 (72.3kWh) battery energy storage system
Smarter Energy with AI-Driven Management
A key part of this upgrade is the integration of GridImp AI software, which actively manages how and when energy is stored, used and exported.
Rather than relying on static settings, the system learns from Hill Farm’s energy usage patterns and responds in real time.
This means the battery can:
- Automatically store energy when it’s most beneficial
- Discharge power when demand (and costs) are highest
- Export surplus electricity at more profitable times
The result is a system that doesn’t just store energy, but optimises it.
Charlie Moase, Hill Farm's owner, said: “The GridImp AI software, which manages the battery's operations, is already proving its value. It learns our on-site energy consumption patterns, intelligently stores power for when we need it most, and sells surplus energy back to the grid during peak periods; achieving better returns than our standard PPA agreement allows.”
A Seamless Installation
As with the original solar project (and with all of our projects!), the installation process was designed to be straightforward and minimally disruptive; meaning an easy install and a happy client.
“The installation and commissioning process was seamless from start to finish, thanks to the professionalism of the Natural Generation team. Our only requirement was to clear the space and construct a plinth for the battery - Natural Generation handled everything else, resolving any issues swiftly and efficiently. An incredibly straightforward project to deliver.”
Stronger Returns and Greater Resilience
Since installation, the benefits have extended beyond simple energy savings. In addition to financial performance, the system now provides something equally important: resilience.
Charlie explains: “We also now have the added reassurance of supply security during grid outages, ensuring our business can continue operating uninterrupted while we await restoration. For any business looking to maximise the returns from their renewable energy generation, this is an excellent investment that we would wholeheartedly recommend.”
A Collaborative Approach
This project highlights the value of strong collaboration between technology partners. Working alongside Immersa and Alpha ESS allowed us to deliver a fully integrated solution that combines high-performance hardware with intelligent software.
As Laura Greenish, Solar Design Engineer here at Natural Generation, shares:
“It has been a real joy to work with Immersa and AlphaESS for the installation at Hill Farm. Lewis, Peter, Oliver and the team are so helpful, always quick to pick up the phone or reply to an email, and the technical support is excellent. Having an AlphaESS engineer come to commission the system as standard means that we can trust that everything will run smoothly from day 1. We look forward to working with Immersa and AlphaESS on many more projects in the future!”
From Solar Installation to Complete Energy Solution
Hill Farm is a great example of how renewable energy systems can evolve over time.
What started as a wind turbines and solar PV installation has now become a more advanced energy ecosystem that:
- Generates clean electricity
- Stores and optimises that energy
- Improves financial returns
- Provides backup power during outages
For businesses investing in solar, battery storage is increasingly becoming the natural next step.
Thinking About Battery Storage?
If you already have solar, or are planning a new installation, battery storage can significantly increase the value of your system.
Get in touch with Natural Generation to explore how your energy setup could evolve.
