Overview
Temple Normanton is a 4.9 MW solar PV facility in England, UK, owned by Lark Energy and operational. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Temple Normanton is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in England, United Kingdom. With a capacity of 4.89 MW, it is a small-to-medium scale solar installation, typical of ground-mounted arrays in the region. The plant is owned by Lark Energy and is currently operational, feeding clean electricity into the national grid. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework for renewable energy, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewables Obligation. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels, with no moving parts and minimal maintenance. The UK's solar capacity has grown significantly, supported by government incentives and declining costs. Temple Normanton contributes to the UK's target of net-zero emissions by 2050 by displacing fossil-fuel generation. Solar farms like this also provide ecosystem services, such as biodiversity enhancements through wildflower planting and habitat creation. The facility's location in England benefits from moderate solar irradiance, with generation peaking in summer months.
Environmental context
Solar PV installations like Temple Normanton have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no emissions or water use. However, land-use change for ground-mounted arrays can affect local habitats. In England, solar farms are often sited on agricultural land, requiring careful planning to minimize visual impact and preserve soil quality. The facility's location in the East Midlands region has moderate biodiversity value, and typical mitigation measures include planting native hedgerows and creating wildlife corridors.
Frequently asked questions
Temple Normanton solar farm is located in England, United Kingdom, near the village of Temple Normanton in Derbyshire. The site coordinates are approximately 53.2071° N, -1.3724° E.
Temple Normanton has a capacity of 4.89 MW, which can generate enough electricity to power around 1,500 typical UK homes annually, depending on solar irradiance.
Temple Normanton solar farm is owned by Lark Energy, a UK-based renewable energy developer and operator.
Solar farms in the UK are supported by the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity, and the Renewables Obligation (now closed to new entrants). The UK aims to reach 70 GW of solar capacity by 2035.
Solar PV farms have low operational emissions and no air or water pollution. However, they require land, which can affect local ecosystems. Mitigation measures include biodiversity enhancements, such as planting wildflowers and creating habitats for pollinators.