Overview
Cairnmore Solar Park is a 3.8 MW solar PV facility in Scotland, UK, operated by GPV Rhynie. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy targets under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Cairnmore Solar Park is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Scotland, United Kingdom, with a capacity of 3.8 MW. The plant is owned and operated by GPV Rhynie and is currently operational. As a small-scale solar installation, it supports local electricity generation and grid decarbonization. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) for larger projects. Solar PV is a key technology in the UK's renewable energy mix, with capacity growing rapidly due to falling costs and supportive policies. The 3.8 MW scale places Cairnmore in the small-to-medium category for solar farms in the UK. Environmentally, the solar park contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. It occupies a land area typical for its capacity, with minimal visual impact due to its rural setting. The facility helps the UK meet its legally binding net-zero emissions target by 2050 and the interim goal of 40 GW solar capacity by 2030.
Environmental context
The solar park is located in a rural area of Scotland, where land use for renewable energy is encouraged to meet climate targets. Solar PV installations have low operational emissions and minimal water use, but require land that could otherwise be used for agriculture. The site's location avoids sensitive habitats, and the panels are designed to be recyclable at end of life.
Frequently asked questions
Cairnmore Solar Park is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, near the coordinates 57.3086° N, -2.8272° W.
Cairnmore Solar Park has a capacity of 3.8 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar PV installation.
Cairnmore Solar Park is owned by GPV Rhynie, a renewable energy company operating in the UK.
Solar PV in the UK benefits from the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity, and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for smaller installations.
Cairnmore Solar Park helps the UK achieve its goal of 40 GW solar capacity by 2030 and supports the net-zero emissions target by 2050 through clean electricity generation.