Are solar farms a key trend in the UK?

Integrating energy storage systems in solar farms is another critical trend in the UK. Energy storage systems, such as batteries, can store excess solar power generated during the day for use when the sun is not shining. The UK's first transmission-connected solar farm, Larks Green, is a prime example of this trend.

Should solar farms be located on low quality land?

However, there is a need to strike a balance between food security and climate ambitions. Planning guidance states that, wherever possible, large scale solar farm development should be located on lower quality agricultural land, avoiding the most productive and versatile soils.” NFU.

Does a solar farm represent a land use change?

Solar doesn’t represent a land use change from a planning perspective because the land must revert to its original state at the end of the project’s lifespan, but planning consent is required as it is a semi-permanent structure. There are key considerations for establishing a solar farm.

How much land do solar farms occupy?

Currently solar farms occupy less than 0.1% of the UK’s land. To meet the government’s net zero target, the Climate Change Committee estimates that we will need 90GW of solar by 2050 (70GW by 2035), which would mean solar farms would at most account for approximately 0.6% of UK land – less than the amount currently occupied by golf courses.

What are the tax implications of renting land for a solar farm?

What are the tax implications? Renting land for a solar farm is a commercial lease and is not an agricultural use, so Agricultural Property Relief from inheritance tax may be lost.

Can agricultural land be used for solar panels?

Abandoned agricultural land can be used for ground-mounted PV panels [ 15, 16 ]. Due to a decline in specific installed PV system costs [ 2 ], solar power plants are expected to play a significant role in power supply systems [ 17 ]. As to farmland, about 30% of its area is suitable for PV [ 18, 19, 20 ].