Overview
Site To North East Of Lochcraigs Farm is a 5 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, operated by SBC Renewables. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Site To North East Of Lochcraigs Farm is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). This scale places it in the small-to-medium range for solar farms in the UK, which typically range from 5 MW to 50 MW. The facility is owned and operated by SBC Renewables and is currently operational. The UK solar sector operates under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) regime, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity generation. The facility benefits from the UK's Renewable Obligation and feed-in tariff frameworks, which have driven significant solar deployment. Solar PV is a key technology in the UK's strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with over 14 GW of installed capacity nationwide. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. Solar farms in the UK are typically sited on agricultural land, with measures to minimize visual impact and enhance biodiversity, such as planting wildflower margins. The facility supports local grid stability and helps meet regional renewable energy targets.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a rural area of North Ayrshire, Scotland, where land use is primarily agricultural. Solar PV installations can have visual impacts on the landscape, but careful siting and screening can mitigate this. The site's operation displaces carbon emissions equivalent to thousands of tonnes of CO2 annually, supporting the UK's climate goals. Biodiversity enhancements, such as pollinator-friendly habitats, are often integrated into solar farm designs.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located in North Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom, near the town of Saltcoats.
The solar PV facility has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), which can power approximately 1,500 homes annually.
The facility is owned and operated by SBC Renewables, a renewable energy developer in the UK.
Solar PV in the UK is supported by the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides guaranteed prices for low-carbon electricity, alongside the Renewable Obligation and feed-in tariffs for smaller installations.
Solar PV is a key component of the UK's strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with over 14 GW installed capacity. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps meet the EU Renewable Energy Directive targets.