Shining a light on the benefits of solar for your property

If you are looking for new ways to maximise the potential of your property and have unutilised outdoor space, solar developments can be a profitable and environmentally sustainable investment.

There are clear financial benefits. Landowners can expect to net an income of £750-£1,200 per acre per year from a solar development - translating into roughly £200,000 of additional annual income for a medium-sized property.

Revenue can also be gained by taking a percentage of profits generated from selling electricity back to the grid. However, this comes with risks if landowners are reliant on fluctuations in energy prices.

Solar technology has made great strides in recent years. Panels have seen a 29% increase in efficiency between 2012 and 2020 according to EnergySage - doubling their capacity and significantly increasing lifespan. Consequently, returns on investment are likely to increase as technology continues to advance and green energy gains value.

In addition to financial benefits, there are environmental advantages that should not be overlooked. According to the UK Solar Trade Association (Download the full report on the link above), solar developments have been shown to have a positive impact on biodiversity for a range of plant and animal species. This not only supports landowners’ efforts to reduce their carbon footprint but also aligns with our collective commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to net-zero.

When planning the installation of solar developments, landowners must take into account certain considerations. For example, sites must be within close proximity of a grid connection point, so it's vital to ensure that a connection is available.

Additionally, the orientation of the land is important. Flat land that faces south and is classed as agricultural grade three or four is optimal. Possible flood risk and any historic sensitivities of the site should be taken into account to minimise any potential issues in the future.

With solar energy having the potential to increase financial gains, reduce environmental impact and improve property portfolios, installing a solar farm is the smart choice for landowners looking to invest in the future.

Click the link below to find out how SSE Energy Solutions, Distributed Energy & Infrastructure team can support your on-site energy generation and storage ambitions.