Companies looking for solar enerhy in Shropshire

The drive for renewable energy generation is leading power companies to survey south facing land in Shropshire for potential solar parks.

Shaun Jones, a chartered surveyor with leading Shropshire, Mid Wales and Worcestershire company Halls, has revealed that he has been approached by farmers and landowners seeking professional advice about hosting solar panels on their land.

Generous Government incentives, introduced in April this year, are catalysing interest in establishing solar parks with photovoltaic panels that operate on daylight as opposed to sunshine

"Renewable energy companies are looking to establish solar parks on south facing sites of between 10 and 30 acres where they can connect to the National Grid," said Mr Jones.

"I have been approached by landowners for professional advice There is a lot of potential for solar farms in Shropshire, Mid Wales and surrounding counties and farmers and landowners are right to consider the opportunities available to them.


"Shropshire enjoys vast areas of undulating terrain and our hills may now become more lucrative than previously considered. This is a fast moving industry and, whilst the terms offered by renewable energy companies may seem attractive, it is important to consider the finer detail before signing up.

"The initial cost of solar technology is such that I would not currently anticipate landowners investing heavily themselves.

"Government support for solar and wind technology, particularly on a relatively small scale, is considerably more attractive than anaerobic digestion plants.

"Potentially, the process from site identification to construction could be relatively quick for solar parks, compared to large scale windfarms. We are already advising clients on applications for windfarms.

"Due to the size of photovoltaic panels visual intrusion concerns will be less problematic, so the planning process should be much simpler compared to large windfarms. I hope Shropshire Council takes a proactive view.

"Hydro electric schemes may also generate interest in the future due to very high efficiency rates. However, site requirements are very specific."