Overview
Land West of Parsonage Wood is a 4.2 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, operated by Lightsource Renewable Energy. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Land West of Parsonage Wood is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with an installed capacity of 4.2 megawatts (MW). Developed and owned by Lightsource Renewable Energy, the plant is operational and feeds clean electricity into the national grid. This scale places it within the small-to-medium range for solar farms in the UK, which typically range from 1 MW to 50 MW. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework for renewable energy, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewables Obligation. These mechanisms provide price stability and incentives for low-carbon electricity generation. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and the UK's solar capacity has grown significantly, supported by declining costs and government targets for net-zero emissions by 2050. Environmentally, Land West of Parsonage Wood contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying the UK's energy mix. Solar farms have a low operational carbon footprint and can coexist with agricultural activities through agrivoltaic practices. The facility supports local grid stability and helps meet regional renewable energy targets, aligning with the UK's commitment to decarbonize its power sector.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in a rural area of southwest England, where solar irradiation levels are moderate but sufficient for efficient PV generation. The land use for solar panels can impact local ecosystems, but careful siting and habitat management can mitigate effects. The UK's temperate climate means solar output varies seasonally, but the plant contributes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supports biodiversity through measures like wildflower planting beneath panels.
Frequently asked questions
Land West of Parsonage Wood is a solar PV facility located in the United Kingdom, near the village of Parsonage Wood in southwest England.
The facility has an installed capacity of 4.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar farm.
The facility is owned and operated by Lightsource Renewable Energy, a leading solar energy company in the UK.
Solar PV in the UK is supported by the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewables Obligation, which provide financial incentives for renewable electricity generation.
The facility generates clean electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the UK's net-zero target. It also promotes biodiversity through habitat management on site.