Overview
Lower Ufford Lane is a 1.1 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, owned by William Notcutt Estates. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Lower Ufford Lane is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, owned by William Notcutt Estates. With a capacity of 1.1 MW, it is classified as a small-scale solar installation, typical of distributed generation projects that support local energy needs. 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 technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and the UK's solar capacity has grown significantly, supported by government incentives and declining costs. This installation contributes to the UK's target of net-zero emissions by 2050 by generating clean electricity. It also helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports local grid stability. The site's location in Suffolk benefits from moderate solar irradiance, typical for the region.
Environmental context
Solar PV installations like Lower Ufford Lane have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no emissions or water use. However, land use for solar farms can impact local ecosystems and agriculture. In the UK, solar projects are often sited on agricultural land, requiring careful planning to minimize visual and ecological impacts. The facility's small scale reduces these concerns, and it may support biodiversity through habitat management.
Frequently asked questions
Lower Ufford Lane is a solar PV facility located in the United Kingdom, near the village of Ufford in Suffolk. Its coordinates are approximately 52.1366 N, 1.3657 E.
Lower Ufford Lane has a capacity of 1.1 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar installation. It generates enough electricity to power several hundred homes annually.
The facility is owned by William Notcutt Estates, a private landowner and estate management company based in the UK.
Solar PV in the UK is supported by the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which guarantees a fixed price for electricity, and the Renewable Obligation (RO) for larger projects. The UK aims to reach 70 GW of solar capacity by 2035.
Solar PV generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also has low water usage and can be integrated with agricultural land use through agrivoltaics.