Overview
East Fairlee is a 6.98 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, operated by The Solar Building Company Ltd. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
East Fairlee is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 6.979 MW. The plant is owned and operated by The Solar Building Company Ltd and is currently operational, adding to the country's growing solar energy portfolio. The UK solar sector operates under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) regime, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity. Solar PV installations of this scale are typical for ground-mounted arrays, often deployed on agricultural or brownfield land. The UK has seen significant solar growth, with over 14 GW installed as of 2023. This facility contributes to the UK's net-zero emissions target by generating clean electricity. Solar PV plants like East Fairlee help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support grid decarbonization. The environmental benefits include zero operational emissions and low water usage, though land-use considerations are managed through planning regulations.
Environmental context
Solar PV facilities in the UK are typically sited on agricultural or previously developed land to minimize visual and ecological impact. The local environment around East Fairlee, near the coast in southern England, benefits from moderate solar irradiance. Land-use planning ensures that biodiversity is considered, with measures such as wildflower planting or grazing beneath panels to support local ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
East Fairlee is located in the United Kingdom, near the southern coast at coordinates 50.7106, -1.1375.
East Fairlee has a capacity of 6.979 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV installation.
The facility is owned and operated by The Solar Building Company Ltd, a UK-based renewable energy developer.
The UK supports solar through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which guarantees a strike price for low-carbon electricity, and through planning policies that encourage solar deployment on suitable land.
Solar PV plants generate electricity with zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reduce air pollution, and have low water consumption. They also help diversify the energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.