How Many Acres Do You Need for Solar Panels?

Are you thinking about installing solar panels on your land and building your own solar farm, but you’re not sure how much land you need?

A UK ground mounted solar farm typically requires 4-5 acres of land per MW of installed capacity. However, the exact amount varies depending on factors such as panel technology, the site layout, access and planning requirements.

Solar panels are a popular way for businesses of all types and sizes to create their own energy source, add a new revenue stream and contribute to a greener world. The UK is targeting 45 to 47GW of solar capacity by 2030, more than double today’s installed base.

In this guide, we explain how much land is typically needed for different solar farm sizes, how many solar panels fit on an acre, what affects the amount of land required, and the key requirements for developing a solar farm in the UK.

How Much Land is Needed for Solar Farms?

The amount of land needed for a solar farm depends on the size of the installation and design of the site. The working rule of thumbs for UK developers is that a ground-mounted solar farm needs roughly 4 to 5 acres per megawatt of capacity. 

How Much Land is Needed For Different Solar Farm Sizes?

• 1MW typically requires 4 to 5 acres
• 10MW typically requires around 40 to 50 acres
• 50MW would roughly require 200 to 250 acres
• 100MW might need as much as 400-500 acres

It’s also important to remember that not all of the sites will be covered by solar panels. Space is needed between panel rows and for access tracks, inverters, substations, drainage, fencing and other infrastructure.

Can You Have A Solar Farm on 1 Acre?

Yes, it is possible to install a solar farm on one acre of land in the UK.

A 1-acre solar farm is a ground-mounted photovoltaic installation covering approximately 4,047 square metres of land, typically accommodating 500-600 kilowatt-peak of solar panels.

For UK farmers considering diversifying their land use, a 1-acre solar farm offers a predictable, long-term income stream.

How Many Solar Panels Fit on An Acre?

The number of solar panels that can fit on an acre of land depends on the size and power output of the panels, as well as how the solar farm is designed. Although one acre contains approximately 4,047m², a ground-mounted solar farm cannot simply cover the entire area with panels.

Space is required between rows of panels to minimise shading and maximise electricity generation. Additional room is also needed for access, maintenance, inverters, cabling, fencing and other essential equipment.

As a general guide, around 1,000–1,500 solar panels could potentially be installed on one acre, depending on the panel dimensions and the layout of the site. For example, using 400W panels, 1,250 panels would provide approximately 500kWp of installed solar capacity.

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The exact number will depend on factors including the land’s incline, the optimum panel angle, mounting height, row spacing and the acceptable level of shading. For a typical commercial ground-mounted system, panels are often mounted around 50–100cm above the ground at an angle of approximately 30–35 degrees.

The mounting structure will usually see panels stacked vertically, two panels high, with around 5-8 metres between rows. This spacing helps to reduce shading while providing sufficient room for access and ongoing operation and maintenance.

How Much Energy Can A Solar Farm Generate?

The amount of energy a solar farm can generate depends on a number of factors, including its size, location, local weather conditions, panel efficiency, orientation and shading.

As a general guide, a typical UK ground-mounted solar farm can generate around 130,000 to 220,000kWh per acre per year. However, actual generation can vary significantly from one site to another.

A simple way of estimating annual electricity generation is:

Installed capacity (kWp) × expected annual yield (kWh/kWp) = annual electricity generation (kWh)

For a more accurate estimate, a detailed feasibility assessment should be carried out.

This can consider the site’s location, panel layout, shading, system losses and proposed equipment to provide a more realistic estimate of annual generation and potential financial returns.

What Are The Requirements For A Solar Farm?

Not all land is suitable for renewable energy and having a solar farm involves more than simply having a suitable piece of land. A number of factors need to be considered before a project can go ahead. Here are some requirements needed for a solar farm.

Grid Connection

The biggest barrier to entry is grid capacity. The site must be close to a suitable electrical substation and a high-capacity power line.

A suitable grid connection is also essential. The Local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) will assess the available capacity and advise on any potential network upgrades, costs or restrictions on electricity exports.

Suitable Land

The land needs to be suitable for a ground-mounted solar installation. The factors such as the size and shape of the site, as well as its slope and accessibility, can affect the design and viability of a solar farm.

It’s also important to be aware of any environmental restrictions as sites should generally be clear of protected areas.

Planning Considerations

Planning requirements will depend on the size, location and nature of the proposed development. Larger-scale installations require formal approval from local planning authorities.

Professional assessment

Before committing to a solar farm project, it is sensible to carry out a feasibility assessment covering the land, planning considerations, grid connection, expected electricity generation and financial viability.

Understanding these factors at an early stage can help determine whether a site is suitable for solar development and what capacity it could realistically support.

Could Your Land Be Suitable For Solar?

If you own agricultural or unused land that is flat, clear of major shadows and located near power grid connection, it could potentially be suitable for solar farm. However, the amount of land available is only one of the factors that needs to be considered.

Consult With a Solar PV Partner

By consulting with a solar PV partner for commercial, industrial and agricultural uses, like Noble Green Energy, you can rest assured that your solar farm is designed with your space and energy needs in mind.

We understand it can be difficult to determine how many solar panels your land can accommodate, or specifically how much energy you can generate per acre, how much solar panels cost, which solar panels are right for you, and more.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements and see how we can help you with your solar farm.