As the UK continues its journey towards a sustainable energy future, large solar farms are becoming an increasingly important part of the national energy mix. At Harvest Green Developments, we specialise in designing, building, and managing large solar farms that deliver reliable, renewable energy while providing long-term benefits to landowners.
A large solar farm is a ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) installation designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity on a commercial scale. Unlike small commercial solar systems, large solar farms are expansive, often generating enough power to supply thousands of homes or businesses. They are also commonly referred to as solar parks or PV power stations.
We recently completed a 2.1MW large solar farm at Enovert, an ex-landfill site, demonstrating our expertise in transforming challenging land into sustainable energy assets. Projects like this showcase how we can help landowners make the most of their site while contributing to the UK’s renewable energy targets and helping generate additional revenue.
How does a large solar farm work?
We design large solar farms to maximise energy output and efficiency. The process begins with PV panels capturing sunlight, which generates a direct current (DC). This current is then passed through inverters that convert it into alternating current (AC), which is suitable for use on the national grid. Transformers increase the voltage so the electricity can travel efficiently over long distances, delivering clean energy back to the grid to aid the generation of homes, businesses, and public facilities.
Once operational, a large solar farm requires minimal intervention. Routine maintenance, such as vegetation management, panel cleaning, and system checks, ensures the site operates at peak performance. For us, managing these ongoing responsibilities is part of our commitment to providing fully managed, high-quality solar farm projects through our operations and management packages, which come standard with our installs.
Types of large solar farms
We work with a variety of large solar farm types depending on land availability and project goals:
Utility-scale solar farms
These large installations generate electricity on a significant scale and are typically connected directly to the national grid. Utility-scale solar farms can range from a few megawatts to tens of megawatts, supplying renewable energy to thousands of homes and businesses.
Landfill solar farms
We have extensive experience developing solar farms on brownfield sites, including ex-landfill areas. Our 2.1MW Enovert project is a perfect example of turning previously unusable land into a productive renewable energy asset. Landfill solar farms provide a unique opportunity to generate revenue while improving environmental and revenue outcomes.
Agrisolar farms
These combine solar energy generation with agricultural practices. Panels are elevated to allow crops or livestock beneath them, maximising land efficiency and creating additional benefits such as sheep grazing or crop shading.
Industrial solar parks
Some businesses have large land or rooftop areas suitable for solar PV. We can help develop these into large solar farms that reduce energy costs and improve sustainability credentials.
Cost benefits of a large solar farm
Investing in a large solar farm requires careful planning and capital, but the benefits are significant. We are proud to work with landowners and investors to maximise the financial and environmental return on every project.
Revenue from energy sales
A large solar farm produces electricity that can be sold to energy suppliers or off-takers, creating a long-term and predictable revenue stream on top of existing operations.
Government incentives
Various UK policies and renewable energy incentives make large solar farms financially viable, improving overall returns.
Landowner opportunities
If you own suitable land, we can help you lease it for a solar farm, providing a steady income without the need to manage the day-to-day operations.
On average, large solar farms cost between £500,000 and £1 million per MW installed, covering panels, inverters, mounting systems, cabling, security, and grid connection. Every site is unique, which is why we take a fully managed approach, overseeing all aspects to ensure efficiency, cost control, and maximum energy generation.
Is your land suitable for a large solar farm?
Not every site is suitable for a large solar farm, but we can assess potential and advise on feasibility. Key factors we consider include:
Land area
Most large solar farms require approximately 5 acres per MW of installed capacity, allowing space for panels, inverters, access roads, and security systems.
Topography
Flat or gently sloping land is ideal, but we have experience developing solar farms on more complex sites, including former landfills and brownfield land.
Grid access
Proximity to high-voltage connections reduces costs and simplifies grid integration. We can manage all applications and processes needed for a smooth connection.
Sunlight exposure
Maximising energy generation depends on optimal panel orientation and minimal shading.
We also handle planning permissions, environmental surveys, and legal requirements to ensure your project is compliant and feasible. Our team works closely with landowners to provide a seamless experience from initial enquiry to a fully operational solar farm. Large solar farms can take a while to set up and complete the process, but we’re here every step of the way, keeping clients informed with every update and step forward.
Environmental and community benefits
Biodiversity
We incorporate ecological enhancements such as hedgerow planting, wildflower meadows, and managed grassland to support local wildlife and improve soil health where required.
Low-impact land use
Panels are mounted on steel frames, causing minimal disruption to the soil. When decommissioned, these can be removed, leaving the land in a recoverable state.
Community engagement
Solar farms can support local communities through educational initiatives, public access paths, and conservation efforts.
Why work with Harvest Green Developments?
When it comes to large solar farms, we manage every stage of development. Our services include:
- Site assessment and feasibility: We evaluate your land and provide clear advice on the potential for a solar farm.
- Planning and permissions: We manage the full planning process, including environmental assessments and grid connection applications.
- Construction and installation: Our team coordinates civil works, panel installation, cabling, and security to deliver fully operational sites.
- Ongoing maintenance and optimisation: We ensure the solar farm continues to perform efficiently throughout its lifecycle.
We can deliver high-quality, complex solar farms on challenging land. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to develop large solar farms on a wide variety of sites, including agricultural land, brownfield sites, and ex-landfills.
Want to know more?
If you have land and are considering a large solar farm, now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities. We can conduct a feasibility study, guide you through planning permissions, and manage every stage of construction and operation. Contact us today to discuss your land and discover how we can turn it into a profitable, sustainable, large solar farm.
