Rural photovoltaic panel planning scheme

Do solar farms need planning permission?

Solar farms with a generating capacity below 50 megawatts (MW) need planning permission from the local planning authority (LPA). Solar farms with a generating capacity above 50 MW need development consent from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, because they are nationally significant infrastructure projects’ (NSIPs).

What is the improving farm productivity solar grant?

The Improving Farm Productivity solar grant is designed to support the installation of solar equipment on farm roofs and reservoirs. It is part of Defra’s drive to improve energy resilience and encourage electrification in agriculture.

Do LPAs approve small-scale solar farms?

LPAs in England will decide applications for smaller-scale solar farms in line with their local plan and the national planning policies. Government guidance advises LPAs to approve renewable energy developments whose “impacts are (or can be made) acceptable”.

Are solar farms a viable option for rural landowners?

In an era marked by surging energy costs and a global push towards sustainability, rural landowners are increasingly considering renewable energy solutions to enhance their properties and finances. Among these solutions, solar farms stand out as a viable option.

Can you build a solar farm on agricultural land?

While obtaining planning consent for ground-mounted solar farms on agricultural land can be challenging – Andrew Shirley, our Head of Rural Research, advises it can “easily take ten years to get a scheme off the ground” - rural properties often feature large barns with roofs suitable for solar panel installations.

Can a solar farm be built by 2035?

It aims to achieve 70 gigawatt (GW) of solar power by 2035 (up from 15.8 GW as of March 2024). Solar farms usually require planning permission. The size of a solar farm will determine which body decides the application. For example, in England: