Stragglethorpe Solar PV Facility, United Kingdom | 5 MW Capacity

Stragglethorpe is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 4.99928 MW. Developed by Lightsource Renewable Energy, the plant is operational and supports the country's transition to low-carbon energy sources. As a medium-scale solar installation, it aligns with the UK's renewable energy targets under the Climate Change Act and the Contracts for Difference (CfD) framework. The facility utilizes standard solar PV technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity. The UK's solar sector benefits from a robust regulatory environment, including the CfD scheme which provides price stability for renewable generators. Stragglethorpe's capacity places it within the typical range for ground-mounted solar farms in the UK, which often range from 5 MW to 50 MW. Environmentally, the plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Solar PV installations have a low operational carbon footprint and minimal water usage. The facility's location in the East Midlands region supports local grid stability and helps meet regional renewable energy goals.

The East Midlands region of the UK has a mix of agricultural and industrial land, with moderate solar irradiance suitable for PV generation. Solar farms like Stragglethorpe require land use that may compete with agriculture, but they can be integrated with grazing or biodiversity measures. The UK's solar sector is regulated to minimize visual and ecological impacts, with requirements for landscaping and habitat management.