Project Carrickfinn - The Story

Across Ireland, family farms are a vital part of our heritage and communities. They represent generations of dedication, helping to shape both our landscape and our rural economy. However, rising operating costs and changing market conditions are placing increased pressure on family farms. For sheep farming - a sector deeply connected to Ireland's agricultural tradition - finding more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable ways of working has become essential for long-term viability.

For Tom Boyd, a sheep farmer from Carrickfinn, Co. Donegal, securing the future of his family farm is deeply personal. Tom and his brother Keith took responsibility for the farm when Tom was 13, after the loss of their father. Today, the farm remains a true family effort. His mother Mabel continues to play an active role on the farm while Tom, his wife and their four children all contribute to keeping the tradition alive, along with Keith.  

What began as an immediate challenge became a lifelong commitment to preserving their family's legacy. But with new challenges and the future of the farm in mind, Tom knew he had to begin exploring solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs and make his farm more sustainable for the next generation.   

That’s where Electric Ireland comes in. Electric Ireland is partnering with Tom’s family farm to bring a practical solution of solar PV and battery storage. 

Working together, we set out to reimagine what renewable energy could do, not just for a home, but an entire farm. The farm was transformed through the installation of solar PV panels and battery storage.  

The solar energy can help homes, farms and businesses generate renewable electricity and reduce reliance on the grid, while battery storage can help customers use more of the energy they generate by saving unused electricity for later - changes designed to help the family better understand and manage their energy usage, reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and create a more efficient way of powering everyday life and farm operations.  

At Electric Ireland, we believe energy is about more than powering homes. It’s about empowering people, supporting communities and helping Ireland move toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.  

Tom’s story shows what is possible when innovation meets tradition, when we protect the places and people that shaped us while creating new opportunities for the generations ahead.  

Rather than simply tell the story of renewable energy, Electric Ireland wanted to show the impact to homes and businesses – like Tom’s. It's one more way Electric Ireland is helping to make your world brighter.