A rooftop solar revolution, for countryside and climate

The Countryside Charity, CPRE, believe in countryside and green spaces that are accessible to all, rich in nature and playing a crucial role in responding to the climate emergency.

They stand for a countryside that enriches all of our lives, regenerating our wellbeing, and that we in turn regenerate, protect and celebrate.

Take a look at their Rooftop Solar Revolution at https://www.cpre.org.uk

Solar Car Parks

If your organisation occupies one or more buildings which are co-located with a car park that is used by your organisation, then FGEC is very likely to be able to supply electricity to your organisation at a significant discount to its current Grid supplier's daytime tariff without any impact on the use of the car park and without your organisation incurring any expense associated with the supply and installation of the frame-mounted solar PV system.

Alternatively, if your organisation owns a car park and there is a local commercial user of electricity, then FGEC is very likely to be able to offer your organisation an attractive rental price for the airspace above its car park.

J P Morgan's Car Park in Bournemouth from Google Earth

Preserving the British Countryside: A Case Against Solar Farms

As we look to embrace renewable energy solutions, it is imperative that we carefully consider the potential consequences of implementing solar farms in the British countryside. While solar farms undoubtedly contribute towards combating climate change, it is crucial to strike a balance between sustainability and preserving the cultural, ecological, and aesthetic values of our cherished countryside.

1. Cultural and Historical Significance

The British countryside holds immense cultural and historical significance. It is interwoven with centuries-old architecture, quaint villages, and iconic landscapes that have been immortalized in literature, art, and folklore. Placing solar farms within this context risks overshadowing the unique identity and heritage of our rural areas. Instead, alternative locations such as urban areas, brownfield sites, or unused industrial land can be explored to minimize the impact on our priceless cultural heritage.

2. Ecological Impact

Solar farms typically require large tracts of land to generate sufficient electricity. The construction and maintenance of these farms can disrupt fragile ecosystems, endangering local flora and fauna in the process. The British countryside is home to diverse wildlife habitats, important migratory routes, and designated conservation areas. Placing solar farms in such areas could lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and potentially irreversible damage to the delicate balance of local ecosystems. We must prioritize the preservation of biodiversity and consider sustainable alternatives that don't compromise the British countryside's rich ecological tapestry.

3. Visual and Landscape Disruption

The scenic beauty of the British countryside attracts millions of visitors each year, boosting tourism and supporting local economies. Solar farms, with their sprawling arrays of panels and associated infrastructure, can dramatically alter the landscape and disrupt the aesthetic appeal of these areas. These industrial complexes could overshadow the natural beauty, jeopardizing the tranquility and serenity that makes the countryside an escape from the stress and chaos of urban life. By minimizing the visual disruption caused by solar farms, we can ensure that our countryside retains its exceptional charm, benefitting both locals and tourists alike.

4. Socioeconomic Implications

Rural communities rely heavily on agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreational activities as sources of income. Introduction of solar farms could potentially displace or disrupt these industries, leading to negative socioeconomic consequences for local communities. Instead, we should invest in community-centric renewable energy projects that embrace decentralized solutions like rooftop solar installations or cooperative solar farms. This approach empowers local communities, generates jobs, and strengthens regional economies while

Solar farms have emerged as a popular and eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources, but it is important to address the potential harmful impact they can have. One major concern is the impact on wildlife and ecosystems. The large-scale construction and operation of solar farms can disrupt and fragment natural habitats, leading to the displacement and disturbance of various species. Moreover, the use of reflective panels can create glare, which can disorient and pose a threat to birds and insects. Additionally, clearing land for solar farm installations can result in deforestation, further contributing to the loss of biodiversity. While the benefits of solar energy are undeniable, it is crucial to ensure that these projects are planned and managed in a way that minimizes their negative impact on the environment.

Pros and Cons of Placing Solar Farms in the British Countryside

Pros

1. Renewable Energy Generation: Solar farms harness the abundant sunlight in the British countryside to generate clean, renewable energy. This helps in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change.
2. Reduced Environmental Impact: Compared to traditional energy sources, such as coal or nuclear power plants, solar farms have a significantly smaller environmental footprint. They do not emit air or water pollutants, reducing the risk of air pollution, acid rain, and water contamination.
3. Land Utilization: British countryside areas provide large open spaces suitable for solar installations. Utilizing these underutilized or unused lands, such as agricultural fields or brownfield sites, for solar farms maximizes land use efficiency and minimizes urban sprawl.
4. Temporary Job Creation: The construction and maintenance of solar farms in the countryside can create a number of jobs, including engineering, installation, and ongoing maintenance roles. This benefits the local economy and employment in rural areas.
5. Local Community Benefits: Solar farms can provide direct benefits to local communities. Some projects may offer shared ownership opportunities, allowing nearby residents to financially benefit from the solar farm's operation. Additionally, solar farms can help diversify the rural economy by attracting eco-tourism and educational opportunities.

Cons

1. Visual Impact: One of the primary concerns associated with placing solar farms in the British countryside is the visual impact they have on the scenic beauty. Traditional British countryside landscapes are known for their lush green fields and picturesque views, and the installation of solar panels on a large scale can disrupt this natural aesthetic.
2. Historical and Cultural Heritage: The British countryside is dotted with historically significant sites, including ancient monuments, stately homes, and listed buildings. Placing solar farms in close proximity to these heritage sites can potentially detract from their visual and historical value, impacting the overall cultural heritage of the area.
3. Biodiversity and Wildlife Disruption: The installation of solar farms requires clearing of vegetation and altering habitats, which can have adverse effects on local biodiversity and disrupt wildlife ecosystems. The British countryside is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, and the disruption caused by solar farms may result in the loss of habitat for several species, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
4. Agricultural Land Use: The British countryside is widely used for agricultural purposes, and the conversion of arable land into a solar farm can reduce the available space for farming and potentially impact food production. It is important to strike a balance between renewable energy generation and preserving agricultural land for sustainable farming practices.
5. Infrastructure and Grid Capacity: Solar farms require substantial infrastructure, such as transmission lines and substations, to connect them to the electricity grid. These infrastructure requirements may pose challenges in terms of construction, maintenance, and the capacity of the grid, especially if multiple solar farms are constructed in close proximity. Upgrading the grid infrastructure to accommodate these demands can be costly and time-consuming.
6. Land Use Conflict: The British countryside is already subject to various competing land uses, including housing development, infrastructure projects, and natural preservation. The addition of solar farms can exacerbate conflicts around the allocation of land and create tensions between various stakeholders, including farmers, environmentalists, and local communities.
7. Local Community Concerns: The placement of solar farms in the British countryside can stir up concerns among local communities, particularly those living in close proximity to proposed sites. Anxieties about potential noise levels, glare, potential reduction in property values, and the overall impact on the quality of life may arise, leading to resistance and opposition to solar farm projects.
8. Maintenance and Decommissioning: There are certain cons associated with their maintenance and decommissioning. One significant drawback is the high initial cost of constructing a solar farm and the subsequent recurring expenses involved in maintenance. Regular inspections, cleaning, and repair of panels can be demanding and costly. Moreover, solar panels have a limited lifespan, typically around 25 to 30 years, and their degradation over time may impact overall performance. Another concern is the eventual decommissioning of solar farms. Disposing of the panels in an environmentally responsible manner poses a challenge, as they contain hazardous materials like lead, cadmium, and silicon. Proper dismantling and disposal processes must be followed to prevent soil and water pollution. Additionally, the land used for solar farms may face limitations for future agricultural or developmental purposes, making it essential to carefully choose the appropriate location at the beginning. Overall, while solar farms provide renewable energy solutions, their maintenance and decommissioning present several cons that need to be considered.