RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES
FROM ROOFS TO ROOTS: THE STATE OF SOLAR
The recent 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference saw mounting pressure on richer countries to pay for climate efforts, as the main contributors to climate change over the past
30 years. But with these big issues at play on the international stage, it seems almost inconceivable that the UK is, at the same time, considering a ban on solar across the nation’s farmland.
How can one of the most developed and prosperous nations in the world – which is striving to be a clean energy superpower – be considering such a move? Here, James Bailey, managing partner at independent chartered surveyors, Bruton Knowles, discusses the issues
P
olitical events over the past few months have been tumultuous, to say the least. The
announcement by Liz Truss to potentially ban solar projects on productive agricultural farmland almost caused those working within the renewable energy sector to short-circuit in disbelief. Although it currently only accounts for
approximately 7% of electricity generated in the UK, with all renewable sources providing around 40% overall, solar capacity remains one of the fastest growing renewable sources, at over 21% of total green energy growth. It currently powers three million homes across
the country, and has the potential to offer one of the most cost-effective ways to help the UK achieve its Net Zero ambitions. And although – as one COP27 commentator remarked – a solar panel isn’t much use for someone who has lost everything in a climate change induced flood, it does offer an affordable option for those seeking to make their own small contribution to the collective green effort.
SOLAR STANCE With Rishi Sunak now at the helm of Government, it seems his stance on the matter is similar to his predecessor. More recent commentary suggests he, too, believes a solar ban on farmland should progress. On the one hand, there is a legitimate argument
that farmland with fertile soil should be prioritised for crop-growing; especially if cutting the UK’s carbon footprint is to be achieved, to some extent, by consumers ‘shopping local’. Of course, buying seasonal homegrown
produce, rather than that which has been imported half-way around the world, means there is greater pressure on the agricultural sector to grow sufficient quantities of quality
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goods to meet day-to-day consumption needs. Farmers also have to be able to achieve this
in a competitive and cost-effective way, to maintain their own livelihoods and generate modest profits which can be reinvested into future farming technologies. But, on the other hand, if the installation of
mass solar panels on farmland generates a return on investment greater than any yield that traditional livestock or arable faming approaches might generate, it’s hardly surprising landowners are opting for this approach.
ROOFS OR ROOTS What is at the crux of the matter are two issues. Firstly, the desire to ensure that the most productive agricultural land is prioritised to expand the UK’s food capacity and security. It seems a logical argument, therefore, to suggest that certain types of land are better placed for solar rather than agricultural development. However, even if that approach were endorsed,
research shows we would still fall short of the production capacity required to ensure everyone could meet their five a day requirements. Furthermore, if every potential UK solar farm
was built, they would still only account for less than 0.4% and 0.28% of the UK’s agricultural or total land area respectively; so not a significant proportion. Secondly, part of the issue is also about
aesthetics. Whilst solar panels do not have the same grey and dirty feel as a power station, some people will, of course, find them an eyesore, particularly if they reside in an unspoiled rural area. Encouraging more solar integration into
buildings, therefore, might also help to appease ‘nimbyism’. With roof-mounted panels being cheaper to install and usually not requiring
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 22/23
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planning permission, unlike those on the ground, it seems a win-win situation.
A BRIGHT FUTURE In the UK warehouse sector, which accounts for one third of all commercial roof space, estimates indicate solar panels on such buildings would double the country’s solar capacity, paving the way for interim Net Zero targets to be achieved by 2030. Unlocking the capacity of all commercial buildings
for future gain would, therefore, make clean, green power more readily available across the board. There is a huge swell of capital readily available
to invest in new solar farms, as well as enormous potential to maximise existing roof space capacity. The approach needs to embrace both opportunities to bolster our energy security and play a part in keeping the 1.5 degrees goal alive.
Bruton Knowles LLP
www.brutonknowles.co.uk
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