Overview
Cranham Golf Course Solar Park is a 2.6 MW solar PV installation in the United Kingdom, operational and owned by Cranham Golf Course.
Cranham Golf Course Solar Park is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom. With a capacity of 2.6 MW, it is a small-scale solar installation, typical of on-site renewable energy projects integrated into existing land uses like golf courses. The facility is operational and owned by Cranham Golf Course. The United Kingdom has a supportive regulatory framework for renewable energy, including the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) for larger projects. Small-scale solar installations like this one often benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which ensures payment for exported electricity. The facility uses standard solar PV technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity. This solar park contributes to the UK's renewable energy targets and helps reduce carbon emissions. By utilizing land already designated for recreational purposes, it minimizes additional land-use impact. The electricity generated supports local grid decarbonization and demonstrates the potential for integrating renewable energy into existing infrastructure.
Environmental context
The solar park is located on a golf course in Cranham, Essex, a region with moderate solar irradiance suitable for PV generation. The installation avoids additional land-use change by utilizing an existing recreational area. Solar PV has minimal operational emissions, though land-use considerations include potential habitat disruption during construction. The facility supports local biodiversity if managed with appropriate landscaping.
Frequently asked questions
Cranham Golf Course Solar Park is located in Cranham, Essex, United Kingdom, on the grounds of Cranham Golf Course.
The solar park has a capacity of 2.6 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar PV installation.
The facility is owned by Cranham Golf Course.
The UK supports solar PV through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for small-scale installations and the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme for larger projects, alongside the Renewable Obligation (RO) for existing capacity.
The solar park generates clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. It uses existing golf course land, minimizing additional land-use impact.