Overview
St Helen's Lane is a 5 MW operational solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, owned by UK Sustainable Energy. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity.
St Helen's Lane is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, owned by UK Sustainable Energy. With a capacity of 5 MW, it represents a small-to-medium scale solar installation within the UK's renewable energy portfolio. The plant is operational and supports the nation's transition to cleaner energy sources. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) program, both designed to incentivize renewable energy generation. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and at this scale, St Helen's Lane can power approximately 1,500 homes annually, depending on local irradiance. Environmentally, the plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar farms like St Helen's Lane also have a low operational carbon footprint, though they require land use and can impact local ecosystems. The facility's location in the UK benefits from moderate solar irradiance, and its output helps meet regional renewable energy targets.
Environmental context
Solar PV facilities like St Helen's Lane require land area for panel installation, which can affect local habitats and agricultural use. However, they produce no direct emissions during operation and have a low water footprint. In the UK, solar farms are often sited on lower-grade agricultural land to minimize land-use conflict. The facility's location in a temperate climate means seasonal variation in generation, but overall it supports the UK's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Frequently asked questions
St Helen's Lane is located in the United Kingdom, with coordinates approximately 54.6741° N, -3.5263° W. It operates within the UK's renewable energy framework.
St Helen's Lane has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar PV installation. It generates enough electricity to power around 1,500 homes annually.
The facility is owned by UK Sustainable Energy, a company involved in renewable energy generation in the United Kingdom.
The UK supports solar PV through mechanisms like the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO), which provide financial incentives for renewable electricity generation. These policies aim to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix.
Solar PV facilities produce no direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and have a low water footprint. They contribute to the UK's net-zero emissions target and help mitigate climate change.