Solar

Solar energy involves converting sunlight into electrical energy using photovoltaic (PV) panels which are either ground mounted on a piece of land or on a rooftop. It is affordable reliable and low-impact.

At EDF power solutions UK and Ireland we are focused on building a number of solar farms ranging from around 50 MW to 300 MW and beyond.

We are also installing roof mounted solar systems on businesses which means they can use the power produced onsite to keeps their energy costs down and reduce their impact on the environment.

If we are to reach net zero, all three of these different types of solar project will be required to remove one carbon intensity from Fossil Fuels.

Solar energy is an effective technology around the UK and Ireland. Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to work and they are able to produce power all year round.

Even in winter, the technology is powerful and effective. For example, at one point in February 2022, solar was providing more than 20% of the UK’s electricity.

Why solar

Solar is a popular technology. 88% of the general public support it, more than any other type of renewable technology.*

Amongst those living near a solar farm there is 56% support for them and we know this grows over time.**

Solar panels are 99% recyclable and once the solar farm has gone the land can be returned to its original use.

In 2022 solar panels supplied more than 4% of the UK’s entire electricity demand and this could treble by 2030 supporting the transition to net zero.

*DESNZ Public Attitudes Tracker: Spring 2023 **From solar energy UK, Everything under the Sun document – published 2022

SOLAR IS COST COMPETITIVE AND CAN BE BUILT QUICKLY

SOLAR FARMS ARE GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND OFFER A RANGE OF BIODIVERSITY BENEFITS

CLEAN AND LOW-CARBON ENERGY SOURCE

THE SUN IS RENEWABLE, SO IT’LL NEVER RUN OUT

NEARBY LOCAL COMMUNITIES CAN BENEFIT FROM JOBS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FUNDING

50 MW and smaller

We have a healthy pipeline of utility scale solar projects in development and construction across the UK and Ireland.

We work closely with the communities near to our projects and look to ensure that we are not only having a positive impact on the environment but also on the local area by making improvements to the biodiversity of the site and providing a community benefit fund.

To receive permission, solar farms that are 50MW or less can receive planning permission through the Town and Country Planning Act, with the decision being made by the local authority.

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

We are in the process of planning and developing a number of large scale solar farms that are considered to be Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

Solar farms of this scale require development consent orders (DCO) which are managed by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

We received consent for our first DCO project in June 2023 for our Longfield Solar Farm, located near Chelmsford in Essex.

Commercial & Industrial

As part of our fight against climate change, we work directly with businesses and organisations to help them decarbonise their operations.

Bringing our expertise in solar, we partner with businesses in a wide range of industries to accelerate their net zero ambitions. From the early stages of design through to construction and operation, our dedicated Commercial and Industrial solar team are experienced in working closely with businesses across the UK to find the right renewable solution for any situation or location.

Where you’ll find our solar farms

EDF power solutions is involved in commercial and utility scale solar projects. We have a number of rooftop projects on the top of some of Tesco’s biggest stores in England.

We are building our first c50 MW projects in England, Wales and Ireland with plans for many more and our first Development Consent Order (DCO) project, Longfield near Chelmsford in Essex has been submitted for approval.