Where should new solar panels go?

It’s clear that we need to see lots more solar energy being generated in this country, especially as fossil fuel imports have become so expensive. The real issue is where new solar panels should go. At CPRE we believe the best answer to this question is surprisingly simple – on our roofs.

Can a ground-mounted solar panel be installed on a farm?

Depending on the lease terms, ground-mounted solar may or may not be allowed on the site. If it is allowed and current farming operations are suitable for a ground-mounted solar PV array or if unused land exists, ground-mounted solar PV may be an option. How can I reduce soil compaction when installing ground-mounted solar panels?

Should solar panels be on our roofs?

At CPRE we believe the best answer to this question is surprisingly simple – on our roofs. Having solar panels on the roofs of homes across the country would not only be a great way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. It could be a crucial part of the solution to the energy bills crisis that is hitting rural communities so hard.

Should solar energy be located on farmland?

Locating solar energy on farmland could significantly increase the available land for solar development, while maintaining land in agricultural production and expanding economic opportunities for farmers, rural communities, and the solar industry.

Are solar panels a good idea?

By generating electricity without releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, solar panels can help us reduce our contribution to global heating. It’s a way for us to limit climate breakdown and its impact on our lives and the countryside. However, there’s no such thing as a free lunch: all energy forms have impacts.

Which countries have solar panels?

In contrast to the UK’s approach, France has announced plans to fast track renewable energy by mandating car parks nationwide be covered by solar panels. And in 2020, 83% of newly installed solar capacity in Germany was on rooftops. Rooftops are the best place for solar panels for our landscapes and wildlife, too.