Landowners interested in exploring the possibility of a solar farm should ask the following four questions:
- Is my land suitable for a solar farm?
- What are the implications of having a solar farm?
- What is my role and are there any future commitments?
- What actions should I take to realise the potential of a solar farm?
We can work with you to answer these important questions.
Issues to consider when selecting and leasing land for a solar farm:
Land location and suitability for solar-PV farm
- Six to sixty acres in size
- The land is Grade 3 or 4 or lower
- The land is available to lease within 4 to 6 months
- The site is visually well-shielded
- The site is not shaded and preferably flat or slightly south sloping
- No designations: AONB, SSSI, WHS, NP or Scheduled ancient monuments, etc
- There are no planning restrictions or covenants which may prevent approval of a solar farm
- Has a proper grid connection passing over, under or beside the site i.e. 11kv, 33kv lines or a substation
- No Rights of Way over or immediately adjacent to the site e.g. footpaths or bridleways
- There is no flood risk, good drainage
- Reasonably good vehicular access for construction
- Not too many gas or water pipes
- No difficult mortgages that may delay consent
Implications you need to consider
- Check the loss of single farm payment/subsidies
- A lease contract for at least 20 years
- Continued use of solar site for sheep grazing
- The ecological value of PV for your land/farm
- Implications for Trusts or Inheritance tax etc