Should guidance on solar PV be included in the National Policy Statement?

The solar industry very much welcomes the addition of guidance on solar PV to the National Policy Statement for renewable energy infrastructure. However, there are several provisions which could be strengthened, which we have outlined below.

Are solar farms covered by a national policy statement?

Although solar farms are not covered in the existing suite of National Policy Statements, the draft National Policy Statement for renewable energy infrastructure covers solar farms at the scale of nationally significant infrastructure.The draft National Policy Statements are currently undergoing Parliamentary scrutiny.

Should solar PV be supported in the UK?

Support for solar PV should allow cost-effective projects to proceed and to make a cost-effective contribution to UK carbon emission objectives in the context of overall energy goals – ensuring that solar PV has a role alongside other energy generation technologies in delivering carbon reductions, energy security and affordability for consumers.

What is a solar photovoltaic (PV)?

iple solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. They are used to generate energy at a large scale to feed into the electricity grid and to supply power o domestic and commercial consumers. They differ from small-scale solar panels, which are used by homeowners, businesses or community groups to supply p

Are solar farms a 'critical national priority'?

The Secretary of State will decide applications for large-scale solar farms in line with energy national policy statements. These were updated in January 2024. They now state that the development of low-carbon infrastructure, such as solar farms, is a ‘critical national priority’.

Do solar farms need planning permission?

sually requires planning permission. Depending on their size, solar farms will either require planning permission from the local planning authority (LPA) or from the Secretary of State for Department for En rgy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ): Solar farms with a generating capacity below 50 megawatts (MW) fall under the remit of the