Getting Solar Off The Ground

A new report published by CPRE, titled Getting Solar Off the Ground, reveals that a significant proportion of England’s most productive farmland is now being used for large-scale solar energy generation. The research analyses the location and land classification of solar farms generating more than 30MW and calls for a shift in solar energy development away from high-quality farmland and towards rooftops and brownfield sites.

Key findings from the report include:

• 59% of England’s largest operational solar farms are situated on productive farmland.
• 31% of the total land area used for these solar farms is classified as ‘best and most versatile’ (BMV) agricultural land, which includes Grades 1, 2, and 3a.
• The total BMV land used by these sites equates to 827 hectares, an area the size of approximately 1,300 football pitches.
• Three operational solar farms—Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire, Goosehall in East Cambridgeshire, and Black Peak Farm in South Cambridgeshire—are located entirely on BMV land.

The report examines 38 solar farms over 30MW currently operational in England. Of these, 27 are located on greenfield land, and 20 contain BMV land. An additional 755 hectares of Grade 3b farmland—moderately productive land—are also covered by solar installations, bringing the total proportion of productive land affected to nearly two-thirds.

CPRE’s analysis suggests that current planning protections for high-quality farmland are not being effectively enforced, with development clustering in areas with high-quality soils and grid access.

The report also highlights:

• The government’s current solar roadmap could lead to 60-65% of solar capacity being delivered via large-scale ground-mounted projects by 2030.
• Proposals from CPRE include a target for at least 60% of solar generation to come from rooftops, brownfield sites, and car parks.
• CPRE’s own research shows rooftop and brownfield solar could deliver 40–50 GW by 2035 and up to 117 GW by 2050.

In addition to its land use analysis, the report includes recommendations for the government to ensure a more strategic and sustainable approach to solar development. These include prioritising rooftop installations, updating the Agricultural Land Classification system, upgrading grid infrastructure, and improving community engagement.

Read the full report on CPRE’s website here

If you're interested in how rural areas can contribute to the UK's net zero goals, the RSN’s member-exclusive National Rural Conference 2025 includes a dedicated Rural Net Zero session on Wednesday 17 September. The session will consider the opportunities and practical challenges for rural places in the energy transition. Find out more and book your place here.