Published
September 16, 2024
Solar farms are large, utility-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on large areas of land. Designed to deliver economic and environmental benefits, there are a number of common grievances around solar farms that are actually myths and we’re here to deliver the facts.
Solar Farms Myths & Facts
Taking a look at a recent campaign against a new proposed Sunnica Solar Farm on the Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border, we explore some of the arguments against the project and how they may be misinformed.
Myth: Solar Farms Are Too Big
The idea of a solar farm conjures up images of large sites filled with solar panels. For example, this proposed solar farm will be installed across 2,500 acres which is the equivalent to 2,000 football pitches. However, this is one of the largest sites in the UK and not every solar farm is this size.
Projects of this scale are designed to meet the urgent national need for renewable sources of energy. They are flexible systems that can be deployed on various land types and sizes, so there are still opportunities for smaller land sizes to install a solar farm to contribute to the decarbonisation of the UK national electricity grid. Our case studies show the versatility of solar farms and how they all help towards Net Zero.
Myth: Solar Farms Are Inefficient & Impact the Grid
In this case, the inefficiency claims refer to the use of economically valuable land and potential transmission losses. Yet, it is important to note that behind every solar farm planning phase is thorough research for site selection to make sure it is the best fit for the project. Sunnica has undertaken an exhaustive approach to consider all alternatives to the proposed scheme.
Following on from this, due to the size of the site, a cable route of over 15 miles long to reach the Burwell Grid is required. Claims that this route will criss-cross public rights of way as well as other roads, rivers and pathways are misinformed. The National Grid substation infrastructure will be extended and public transport links, rights of way and bodies of water are all considered for the installation.
Find out how we can help you understand if your land is right for solar by getting in touch.
Myth: Solar Farms Hinder the UK’s Future Energy Needs
There is a common misconception that there is a limit to the amount of solar power the UK grid can manage and installing and operating solar panels creates more carbon than it saves. Looking at Sunnica’s proposal though, this is simply not the case.
In accordance with the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) guidance for assessing GHG emissions as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment, the greenhouse gas impact across the scheme’s lifecycle proves this. Construction and decommissioning of the site will emit approximately 467,200 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) but, an additional 957,334 tCO2e would be emitted to generate the equivalent amount of electricity from the projected grid energy mix over the Scheme’s operational lifetime.
Plus, solar energy as a whole is the cheapest form of electricity generation worldwide so is a key part of the government’s strategy to reach Net Zero. Alongside meeting this target, the government’s objectives support that the UK’s energy system is always secure and reliable so the National Grid can always manage.
Myth: Solar Farms Waste Valuable Agricultural Land
Campaigners against Sunnica’s site believe the loss of agricultural output will have a negative impact on the local economy and food production. However, these schemes are always encouraged to minimise the use of the best and most versatile agricultural land unless there is justification to do so.
As mentioned above, the site selection process thoroughly considers this and Sunnica have assessed the agricultural land quality and versatility following Natural England Guidance. The results show that 96.2% of the land is classed as not being the best and most versatile and is lower grade agricultural land. Plus, the land can be restored to its original agricultural use at the end of the scheme’s lifetime. This is a process all solar farm applications will have to go through in order to proceed. See how we helped this Leicestershire farm here.
Myth: Solar Farms Aren’t Cleaned Up Once Retired
What happens to a solar farm once it has been decommissioned and run its course? What happens if the scheme goes bankrupt during its lifespan? These are some of the questions asked about solar farms and whether they are abandoned once they have retired.
Decommissioning plans and budgets are standard in the initial project development phase, and sometimes as part of the permitting process. These plans and budgets usually include the method that will be used for decommissioning as well as the funding. Sometimes, there are permits applied for in order to guarantee surety of decommissioning too. All the details are covered and, if land will be returned to its original state, this will be stated in the proposal.
Myth: Solar Farms Are Harmful to Wildlife
Many people believe that wildlife will be harmed during solar farm construction and are not able to recover. But did you know that solar farms can actually deliver many benefits to biodiversity? They provide undisturbed shelter from extreme weather for years to come which presents an opportunity for nature reserves to be created.
Also, during the planning phase, conservation initiatives such as planting hedgerows and meadows are proposed and often implemented. This helps biodiversity grow in numbers and provides other benefits like flood mitigation, carbon storage and erosion mitigation. Organisations including The National Trust, RSPB and the Bumblebee Trust all recognise the value of solar farms.
Myth: Solar Farm Batteries Are Fire Hazards
The disputes around lithium-ion batteries used for solar farms include the dangers of overheating and thermal runaway which emits toxic gases and increases the risk of explosion. There have been calls for improvements to safety regulations regarding these, however they would not be used if they were not safe.
Consulting with local fire authorities, implementing extra design measures and complying with relevant legislation are just some of the actions solar farm installations can take to increase fire safety. This is on a project-by-project basis and the safety of the surrounding inhabitants, both human and wildlife, are always top priority for these schemes.
Myth: Solar Farms Are Eyesores
Although it is a very subjective myth, many do believe that solar farms are ugly eyesores. Replacing the countryside landscape with solar panels is not a preference for some and fencing is commonly used around the site which can emphasise this too. Regardless of whether shrubbery and trees were added around the site, they still need to grow and flourish to hide the installation.
This is personal preference, but it is important to note that the fencing is required to ensure the security of the solar farm. The fencing chosen is usually relatively unobtrusive and permission has to be granted by the relevant local planning authorities. Every solar farm is designed as an energy solution without compromising natural beauty. Compared to other renewable energy methods, they are less likely to interfere with the horizon and incorporate landscaping elements to improve aesthetics.
If you have succombed to some of the common myths about solar farms and panels and are looking for the facts, please feel free to get in touch with Noble Green Energy or read some of our case studies or other blog articles for more information.
