Solar power generation land properties

Is solar energy a good option for rural landowners?

Solar energy generation is an attractive option for rural landowners due to its ease of implementation and scalability. Unlike wind or hydro projects, solar farms can usually be set up quickly and are less reliant on specific geographical conditions.

Can I lease my land for solar power generation?

Landowners interested in leasing their land for solar power generation will need to find out if they have a grid connection located on their land or in the vicinity with surplus power in the local area.

What are the advantages of solar farms on rural land?

One of the significant advantages of solar farms on rural land is that they often have relatively low upfront costs.

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.

How much land does a solar farm need?

Generally, a solar farm requires around 25 acres of land for every 5 megawatts of installation capacity. Not all of this land will be usable for a project. So, developers tend to seek around 200 acres for a commercial-scale project to be on the safe side. A minimum of 10 acres is considered the industry standard for smaller projects (around 1MW).

What happens if you let land for solar PV?

Letting the land for solar PV will mean that it is no longer used for agricultural purposes, so eligibility for Agricultural Property Relief (APR) from inheritance tax will be lost. Expert advice should be sought to ensure that regulations are followed and profits are maximised.