Overview
Salford Road Solar Farm (resubmission) is a 2.2 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, operated by Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Salford Road Solar Farm (resubmission) is a solar photovoltaic facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 2.2 megawatts. The plant is owned by Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority and is currently operational. As a small-scale solar installation, it supports local renewable energy generation and grid decarbonization. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework for renewable energy, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) program. These mechanisms provide financial support for low-carbon electricity generation, helping to meet national targets under the Climate Change Act. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, with no emissions during operation, making it a key component of the UK's energy transition. The solar farm contributes to the local grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the region's sustainability goals. It also aligns with the UK's broader commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The site's location in Greater Manchester benefits from moderate solar irradiance, typical for the region, and the facility helps diversify the local energy mix.
Environmental context
Solar farms like Salford Road Solar Farm require land for panel installation, which can impact local land use and visual landscape. However, they produce no air or water pollution during operation and have low lifecycle emissions. The site's ecological impact is managed through careful siting and potential biodiversity enhancements, such as planting native vegetation around panels. Grid integration of solar power can pose challenges due to intermittency, but the UK's grid infrastructure is increasingly adapted to handle variable renewable sources.
Frequently asked questions
Salford Road Solar Farm is located in the United Kingdom, specifically in the Greater Manchester area. The exact coordinates are latitude 53.2189 and longitude -1.9150.
Salford Road Solar Farm has a capacity of 2.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
The facility is owned by Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, a public body responsible for waste management in the region.
Solar farms in the UK benefit from the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) program, which provide financial incentives for renewable electricity generation. The UK also has a legally binding target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 under the Climate Change Act.
Solar power generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, helping the UK reduce its carbon footprint. The UK aims to reach 42.5% renewable energy by 2030, in line with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, and solar farms like Salford Road play a role in diversifying the energy mix.