The agricultural sector faces a major challenge: becoming more sustainable without compromising business continuity. Energy plays a key role in this. More and more farmers are investing in solar panels, but what happens to the generated electricity if it is not used immediately? This is where the battery container comes into play.

A battery container makes it possible to store solar energy generated in the summer for later use. This is particularly valuable in agriculture, where energy consumption fluctuates greatly by season – think of irrigation in the summer, barn ventilation in the winter, or electric tools in the spring. In this blog, we explain how a battery container contributes to sustainable farming, how you can deploy it on your farm or land, and what advantages it offers over traditional energy solutions.

Why is energy storage so interesting for farmers?

Farmers are increasingly generating their own energy through solar panels or wind turbines. But this often occurs at times when relatively little energy is consumed. Think of sunny summer days while most installations run at full capacity only in the winter. Without storage, much of that generated power is lost or delivered back to the grid at low rates.

A battery container prevents this loss. Excess energy is stored and can be used later at any desired time. This is ideal for farms that:

• Use electric irrigation

• Utilize mobile cooling or freezing installations

• Work with electric tools or tractors

• Want to save on peak consumption during high energy rates

• Wish to operate off-grid during network problems

By smartly using seasonal storage with a battery container, solar energy becomes truly profitable.

How does a battery container work on a farm?

A battery container is a portable energy storage unit with lithium-ion batteries. It is connected to the existing solar panel installation on the farm or in a field and can independently buffer and release electricity. During times of high generation, it stores the energy, and during peak consumption times, it releases it again – fully automatically.

Additionally, many containers are equipped with smart monitoring software, allowing you to view real-time storage level, charging status, and consumption via an app or web interface. This way, as an agricultural entrepreneur, you can easily manage efficiency.

Typical applications on agricultural businesses:

• Charging electric tractors or ATVs

• Night power supply in barns without grid load

• Energy supply on remote plots (off-grid)

• Peak shaving during milking sessions or cooling

What are the benefits of energy storage in agriculture?

Using a battery container on a farm offers a wide range of benefits – economically, ecologically, and operationally.

Some direct benefits are:

• Less dependent on the power grid: No worries about grid congestion or delivery restrictions.

• Lower energy costs: Use stored power during expensive hours or under dynamic rates.

• More return from solar panels: Less delivery back, more self-consumption.

• Sustainable image: Important for subsidies and certifications like PlanetProof or Better Life.

• Flexibility: Also usable on remote plots without grid connection.

This way, as a farmer, you make smart use of your own generation capacity and meet future regulations.

Are battery containers suitable for off-grid applications?

Certainly. Especially in agriculture, there are many situations where no grid connection is available. Think of temporary installations on fields, remote feeding machines, or irrigation systems in the field.

A battery container provides an ideal solution here. By combining it with a mobile solar installation, you can achieve off-grid energy supply without a diesel generator. Moreover, the system is whisper-quiet and emission-free, which is also pleasant for animals and the environment.

For larger businesses, it is also possible to connect multiple containers in parallel, allowing you to run entire business processes autonomously – even during prolonged grid outages or in areas where expanding the connection is impossible.

What does this mean for sustainable and future-proof farming?

Dutch agriculture must rapidly become more sustainable. Battery containers fit seamlessly into this development. They allow you to keep running on your own power, save costs, and result in a lower CO₂ footprint without compromising efficiency or business security.

By investing in a battery container, you prepare your farm for:

• The energy transition

• Smart grid integration and demand-response

• Self-sufficient farming

• CO₂ reduction within ESG goals

In short: a practical and strategic step towards future-proof farming.

Frequently asked questions about battery containers in agriculture

How much power can I store in a battery container?
That depends on the model, but typical agricultural variants store between 100 and 500 kWh.

Can I use a small container for one application?
Yes, there are compact models for, for example, one barn or pump installation.

Are there subsidies available?
Yes, through SDE++, EIA, and POP3, you can apply for subsidies as an agricultural entrepreneur.

Is a battery container mobile?
Certainly, many models are movable with a forklift or tractor.

How maintenance-sensitive is a battery container?
Minimal. Annual inspection is sufficient, and many systems monitor themselves.

How long does a battery container last?
Average 10 to 15 years with normal use, depending on charge cycles.

Can battery containers withstand rain, dust, and temperature fluctuations?
Yes, they are designed for outdoor use on farms and in the field.