New guidance sets out how solar farms can be good neighbours 

Solar Energy UK
16 July 2024

New guidance from Solar Energy UK states that early engagement, transparency, and inclusivity should be the cornerstones of the solar industry’s conversations with communities. 

Packed with case studies, the document is intended to promote effective engagement with people living near proposed solar farms, from design to decommissioning. It seeks to support developers, operators and companies in the supply chain to deliver sustainable ground-mounted projects by promoting good relationships with neighbouring communities. 

“The solar industry wants more than to deliver high-quality solar farms alone. We want to be good neighbours: taking local people along the journey to net zero with us, allaying misconceptions and taking their feedback into account,” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK. 

The solar industry is growing rapidly, aiming to reach the new government’s goal of 50GW by 2030. Accordingly, projects could affect more communities in the coming years, so involving them in the journey is even more critical. 

The guidance is aimed at developers of five megawatts or more solar farms across the UK. It hence refers to the varying statutory requirements of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland while going beyond their minimum requirements.  

Delivering good community engagement is mutually advantageous for developers and communities alike: reducing costs and delays by addressing issues early, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and building acceptance by demonstrating respect to local people. 

The guidance describes an array of engagement tools, including customer relationship management systems, project websites, phone lines, dedicated staff, briefings to local government, newsletters and community forums. Organising visits to existing solar farms can also provide an opportunity to show people what a solar farm looks like in real life.  

It also reminds developers to use local labour, suppliers and contractors, where possible – “a simple but effective way to demonstrate commitment to community relationships and contribute to the local economy.” 

The guidance stresses the lasting economic, social and environmental benefits that solar farms can offer. These range from national-level benefits, such as reducing the cost of energy and strengthening energy security, to local ones:  

• Encouraging biodiversity. 
• Protecting footpaths and bridleways. 
• Providing reliable and diversified incomes for rural businesses and often allowing grazing to continue. 
• Boosting the local economy through providing jobs and accommodating construction staff. 
• Raising significant revenue for local government, via business rates. 
• Offering educational opportunities for schools. 

The case studies include managing challenges such as traffic management, best practices for creating online consultation portals, the Westmill community-owned solar farm, and how rare species prosper at the Wilburton solar farm. 

Although linked, the guidance does not cover community benefits – voluntary packages to support host communities, such as regular contributions to local charities or upgrading local assets. However, a topic summary on shared ownership is provided alongside another. 

[1] Community Engagement Good Practice Guidance

[2] Position Statement: Solar farms and the assessment of buried archaeological remains 

[3] Factsheet: Site Selection 

[4] Factsheet: Solar Farms and Agricultural Land 

– ENDS – 

Editor’s notes: 

For more information or to request an interview, please contact: 

Gareth Simkins, Senior Communications Adviser | gsimkins@solarenergyuk.org 

news@solarenergyuk.org | solarenergyuk.org