The following position statement emphasises the importance of proactive engagement between the solar energy sector and archaeology stakeholders to ensure sustainable development practices.

Key points

• The document highlights the need for expert assessment of impacts on the historic environment when developing solar farms.
• It explains that solar PV developments require a different approach to assessment due to minimal impacts on buried archaeological remains compared to other types of developments.
• The position statement aims to promote proportionate assessment for solar development and improve sustainability credentials through collaboration between the solar energy sector and archaeology stakeholders.

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This document outlines the key factors influencing the selection of solar farm sites in the UK for utility scale solar projects.

Key points

• Site selection for solar projects is crucial, considering factors like connection to the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS), irradiance levels, and balancing benefits with adverse impacts.
• The availability of connection to NETS and high irradiance levels are primary drivers for identifying potential solar development areas.
• Land proximity to a Grid Supply Point (Point of Connection) is essential to minimise grid connection works and environmental disruption, limiting the site selection radius.

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This document sets out the considerations that should be given to assessing the impact of solar farms on agricultural land, both in policy and practical terms, emphasising the importance of considering factors such as food security, biodiversity, and soil health. 

Intended to be a useful aid for Local Planning Authorities in their decision making, the document discusses the relationship between solar energy development and agricultural land use policies, highlighting the need to balance renewable energy goals with the preservation of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (BMVAL). 

SEUK would like to thank Dr Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Adviser, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales (NFU), for help in drafting this factsheet. 

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