Benefits
Living with a solar farm
There is no significant audible noise from the solar farm during operation.
The maximum panel height is typically just over 2 metres, and natural screening will be used to mitigate the visual impact in the immediate area.
The site will be protected by 2 metre high fencing, screened by hedging.
No one will be based at the site, but there will be routine visits. These will be daily during commissioning, and less frequently once in operation.
Carbon savings
Our solar farms are economic because they generate both electricity and carbon savings, thereby earning green certificates which the UK needs to meet its international renewable energy and carbon targets.
Economic value
Solafields can bring economic value to rural areas through the development of solar farms. The farms bring premium rental value to low grade land. They also contribute to local rates, with the government is currently taking steps to ensure that such funds go directly to benefit the local community (and not central taxation).
Employment
Solar farms create employment during development, construction and operation. The construction phase is the most intensive, involving civil engineering for roads, foundations and buildings, significant electrical engineering and other components such as IT, fencing and security.
Other benefits
The solar farm panels only cover about a third of the land area, so the area will generally be turfed and suitable for sheep grazing. Every project involves an upgrading of the local grid, and so has the potential to bring power to areas that were previously disconnected. Sustainable and secure power can also be provided directly from the solar farm. Solar farms are able to generate electricity without significant impact on water or drainage, wildlife, odour or danger.