Overview
Parkhill Solar Farm is a 5 MW operational solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, developed by Innova / Lark Energy. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Parkhill Solar Farm is a 5 MW solar photovoltaic facility located in the United Kingdom, developed by Innova / Lark Energy. The plant is operational and contributes to the country's growing solar energy portfolio, which is a key component of the UK's net-zero emissions target by 2050. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme that provides price stability for low-carbon electricity generation. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and at 5 MW, Parkhill Solar Farm is considered a small-to-medium scale installation, typical for ground-mounted solar farms in the UK. Solar farms like Parkhill play a role in diversifying the UK's energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They also contribute to local grid stability and can provide community benefits through shared ownership or local investment schemes. The environmental impact is generally low, with careful siting to minimize land-use conflicts.
Environmental context
Solar farms require significant land area for panel installation, which can impact local ecosystems and agricultural use. However, they produce no emissions during operation and have a low water footprint. In the UK, solar developments are subject to planning regulations that assess visual impact and biodiversity, often requiring habitat enhancement measures.
Frequently asked questions
Parkhill Solar Farm is located in the United Kingdom, at coordinates 56.603800, -2.586000, near the town of Arbroath in Scotland.
Parkhill Solar Farm has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar photovoltaic installation.
Parkhill Solar Farm was developed by Innova / Lark Energy, a renewable energy development company active in the UK solar market.
Solar farms in the UK benefit from the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated, and from the Renewable Obligation (RO) scheme for older projects. Planning permission is required from local authorities.
Solar farms have low operational emissions and water use, but require land for panel arrays. In the UK, environmental assessments ensure minimal impact on wildlife and landscapes, often incorporating biodiversity measures such as wildflower meadows.