Brand new guidelines have been published with the help of organisations such as Solar Trade Association, National Farmers Union and other solar and farming firms to help farmers plan solar power in their farms.
Solar panels offer a number of benefits for farmers and their communities, including no noise, a positive environmental impact and low running costs. Solar panels can also be placed on farm buildings, helping to generate as much electricity as possible for the farm and community. They are also less unsightly than wind turbines, blending in easily with the local environment.
Jonny Williams, Director of the BRE National Solar Centre, said: "As more farmers look for alternative ways to supplement their traditional income, it’s become vital that definitive advice is made available for the agri-community. Working in partnership with the solar industry and the NFU we have produced a valuable guide that sets out best practice for the integration of solar farms with conventional agriculture, ensuring that farmers get a year-round ‘solar harvest’ to supplement their regular business."