Overview
Lodge Farm - Orston is a 12.4 MW solar PV facility in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, operated by Lightsource Renewable Energy. The plant contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Lodge Farm - Orston is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located near Orston in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. With a capacity of 12.4 megawatts (MW), it is a medium-scale solar installation that feeds clean electricity into the national grid. The plant is owned and operated by Lightsource Renewable Energy, a leading solar developer in the UK. The facility uses standard solar PV technology, with panels mounted on ground-based structures to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The UK's renewable energy sector is supported by the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides price stability for low-carbon generators. This regulatory framework has driven significant solar deployment across the country, particularly in rural areas like Nottinghamshire. Lodge Farm - Orston plays a role in the UK's transition to net-zero emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. Solar farms in this region benefit from relatively high solar irradiance for the UK and contribute to local renewable energy targets. The site's agricultural land use is compatible with solar generation, allowing dual use for grazing or biodiversity enhancement.
Environmental context
The facility is located on agricultural land in Nottinghamshire, a county with a mix of arable farming and pastoral landscapes. Solar PV installations like this one have a low visual impact compared to other renewable technologies and can coexist with agricultural activities. The site's design likely incorporates measures to manage surface water runoff and maintain soil health, supporting local biodiversity through grassland management.
Frequently asked questions
Lodge Farm - Orston is located near Orston in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, at coordinates 52.966, -0.832.
The facility has a capacity of 12.4 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV installation.
The plant is owned and operated by Lightsource Renewable Energy, a major solar developer in the UK.
The UK supports solar PV through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity generation, alongside the Renewable Obligation and planning policies.
Solar PV generates electricity without direct emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also allows dual land use for agriculture or biodiversity, and has low water consumption compared to thermal power plants.