In response to surging concerns about agrivoltaics in the UK, trade association Solar Energy UK has released new guidance for solar farms and their communities.
The Community Engagement Good Practice Guidance contains case studies that aim to inform and engage the communities surrounding solar farms, to promote effective neighbourly relationships between them.
The document includes information about the purpose and lifecycle of a solar array for people living near proposed ground-mounted farms and support for everyone on the solar supply chain.
Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, says: “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.”
Combatting concerns
Food security, land use, and aesthetics are frequently reported concerns for both legislators and communities near proposed solar farms.
In the lead-up to and post the UK’s general election, wherein a new government with clear solar pledges took over, the British solar industry has become a hot topic for many.
More information about the new government’s solar ambitions came forth in yesterday’s King’s Speech at the opening of Parliament, with the announcement of nationalised energy entity Great British Energy.
It is Solar Energy UK’s goal to alleviate misunderstandings and improve relationships between local communities and solar farms through its guidance. This will have a knock-on effect on developers also, as generating goodwill with local communities will reduce delays and costs when proposing and building farms.
Community engagement
Solar farms offer a wealth of benefits on both a local and national level that go beyond just environmental factors. Solar Energy UK’s guidance also touches on the social and economic benefits – such as lowering the cost of energy.
Through its case studies, the guidance shows farms provide local benefits such as:
- Educational opportunities for schools
- Providing jobs for the local workforce
- Reliable additional incomes for farmers and other rural businesses without disrupting existing infrastructure (such as animal grazing)
- Encouraging biodiversity
- Protecting valuable footpaths and bridleways
The guidance reinforces the benefits of engaging with local businesses and trade, which improves a farm’s relationship with the community. This is a “simple but effective way to demonstrate commitment to community relationships and contribute to the local economy.”
To engage with local communities in an accessible and inclusive way, Solar Energy UK’s document suggests tools such as:
- Project websites
- Phone lines
- Dedicated staff members
- Engagement with local councils
- Newsletters
- Community forums
- Customer relationship management systems
- Tours of operating solar farms
To stay engaged with all things UK solar and beyond, talk directly to industry experts at Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham, 24-26 September 2024.
