For landowners

Help to increase the share of renewable energy. And biodiversity

Why lease your land?

Leasing land to us will provide you, as a landowner, with a stable, long-term income, while also helping to expand the production of renewable electricity. Leases normally run for 45 years, with a competitive, index-linked annual lease fee from day one. At the end of the lease period, the solar farm is dismantled and the land restored.

There are other positive effects from a solar farm in addition to the lease income. For instance the facility can be combined with sheep pasture, or to increase biodiversity the farm and surrounding area can be planted with e.g. wildflowers, providing an ideal habitat for our severely threatened pollinators (such as honey bees, bumblebees, butterflies and so on).

How does it work?

We follow an established project model which ensures that the land is suitable for the project, and that all the contracts, permits and licences are obtained at the right time. This reduces the time taken to establish the facility, and in the best-case scenario we can have a facility up and running within two years.

Pilot Study – Pre-qualification

This stage includes a preliminary layout and dimensioned output, assessment of connection opportunities and costs, investment calculation and profitability calculation. If the outcome is positive, a lease agreement is signed and work progresses.

Land examination

An examination of access roads, other landowners and the need for usage agreements. The layout is updated, a planning application is submitted, and all other permits and licences are obtained. Electrical connectivity is thoroughly scrutinised.

Bidding

The bidding process is initiated, to choose a contractor to complete the facility.

Funding

Investment offers and construction decisions.

Construction

The facility is completed and started up.

Operation

Ongoing service and maintenance for 40 years.

Dismantling

The facility is dismantled and recycled, and the land is restored.

What types of land are of interest?

Most types of land are of interest to us. It is generally an advantage if the land is close to a grid connection point; this is something we check as soon as we establish contact with the landowner.

If we judge the conditions to be right for a solar power project, we always begin the process by signing a lease agreement with the landowner. We then make sure all the necessary permits and licences are in place so the solar farm can be completed and started up.

How does a solar farm affect the environment?

A solar farm does span a large area, but because the panels are only a couple of metres high they have only a minor visual impact. At close quarters, the surface is mainly perceived as being green. The ground mounts are generally affixed on poles about 1–2 metres into the ground, and cables are fed through shafts. So the environmental impact is minimal, and at the end of the project the area can be completely restored. A solar farm is a silent facility, apart from the buzzing of the bees of course.