Members of the British solar industry have completely opposed plans being discussed within government that would severely restrict the development of solar farms in England.
Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena is reportedly considering extending the definition of ‘Best and Most Versatile’ land to Grade 3b under the Agricultural Land Classification scheme.
This would mean that solar panels could not be placed on land used for either producing crops or housing livestock.
More than 2.2GW of solar capacity was procured in the latest round of the Contracts for Difference scheme, the government’s auction system for energy, at some of the cheapest prices yet.
The growth of the solar industry overall means it could supply 17% of the UK’s annual electricity needs by 2035, supporting 60,000 jobs.
Solar Energy Uk have said that even if five times as many solar farms were built, they would occupy less than 0.3% of UK land – less than half the amount occupied by golf courses.
Nearly 20 environmental and other groups also recently co-signed a letter by Solar Energy UK to the Prime Minister, Liz Truss, outlining these concerns.
Solar Energy UK CEO Chris Hewett said: “The UK solar sector is alarmed by attempts to put major planning rules in the way of cheap, homegrown energy.
“Solar power is the answer to so many needs and policy demands: it will cut energy bills, deliver energy security, boost growth and help rural economies.
“Ranil Jayawardena’s opposition to solar farms must surely make him part of the anti-growth coalition.”
