How to Start a Solar Farm: Ultimate Guide
Independent landowners | Institutional landowners |
Have you been trying to figure out how to start a solar farm? This ultimate guide will give landowners all the information they need to feel confident as they move into the lease stage of a new project.
If you’re seriously considering getting a solar project on your land, you’ve come to the right place.
Now, I completely understand that the process can feel overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. That’s why I’ve created the ultimate guide to starting a solar farm – to leave you feeling confident and ready to tackle the journey ahead.
Whether you’re looking for option agreement advice, struggling to choose a developer or curious about financing – I’ve got you covered.
Why Did I Make This Guide?
As a Chartered Accountant who has worked with the UK’s largest renewable energy developers and site operators, I’ve seen it all. From early contracts and option agreements to construction processes and decommissioning, there’s a lot to know before you start a new project.
But, personally, I’ve never felt that there was enough accessible information on how to start a solar farm from a landowner’s point of view.
More to the point, landowners can often overlook small things at the lease stage. These oversights can lead to lost income, missed opportunities and poor relationships between landowners and site operators.
So, to get landowners the best possible deal, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to starting a solar farm. With all the information you need about option agreements, tackling leases, construction phases and managing the project – this guide covers it all.
This is quite a lengthy blog, as I wanted to give as much value as possible, so I’ve added a contents section to help you navigate it. Feel free to move through it at your own pace and jump to sections that are most relevant to you.
Are Solar Farms Worth It for Landowners?
In my opinion, solar farms are absolutely worth it for landowners.
Not only do they generate valuable passive income for upwards of 30 years, but they’re relatively hands-off. And this is because site operators and developers handle the investment, building and management phases.
Of course, there will always be considerations about how much land you’re willing to part with for a project. But generally, solar farms aren’t overly intrusive; you can usually still carry out your usual activities on the rest of your land.
So it’s a win-win.
Which Types of Solar Panel Will I Work With?
You’ll have little to do with the solar panels on your project unless you’re self-developing. But you may want to know which panels your developer wiYou’ll have little to do with the solar panels on your project unless you’re self-developing. But you may want to know which panels your developer will choose (and why).
The three different solar panels that developers commonly use in the UK are:
- Thin-film
- Monocrystalline (by far the most popular for solar farms)
- Polycrystalline

Monocrystalline
Monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiency rating and first burst onto the scene in the 1950s. They boast efficiency rates between 15 per cent and 20 per cent and generally produce between 310 to 350 watts of power per panel.
These figures can vary based on the panel size and manufacturer, but it’s a great ballpark to work with.
These panels are made from forming pure silicon into bars. Solar manufacturers then shape them into wafers and perfectly align the edges. This incredible, smooth shape helps them absorb as much energy as possible.
Polycrystalline
Polycrystalline panels are still efficient, with an efficiency range of around 14 per cent to 16 per cent. However, they are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, which can make a big dent in your site’s total output over time.
They’re made from a combination of silicon crystals that are melted together. These layers are combined with semiconductor layers and sheets of glass to let them capture sunlight.
The only major downside is that they’re heat-sensitive and are less efficient when it’s warm during the summer.
Thin-film
Thin-film panels combine several different materials and have the lowest efficiency rating out of the UK solar panels.
They have an efficiency rating of between 7 per cent and 13 per cent and are usually the cheapest option on the market. However, they have a far shorter lifespan than alternative options, making them less suitable for large-scale solar farms.
How Much Do Solar Farms Cost?
Solar farms can be expensive, with the upfront cost stretching into the millions for many large-scale projects.
The average solar farm costs around £375,000 per megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity produced. So, if you’re looking at a 20 MW project, the initial costs will be around £7.5 million.
Solar farms require a lot of land, so developers will need to account for land rental costs in their final calculations. After all, landowners should never lease their land for less than the market rate.
Problems With Solar Energy to Think About Before Diving In
There are many positives to getting a solar project on your land. But there are also a few challenges with solar energy that you’ll want to think about before diving in.
Panels take up a lot of space
For one thing, panels typically occupy a lot of space (about 25 acres of land for every 5 MW of installed capacity). While this number isis quite a lot, the panels don’t significantly impact farmland, and land usage will be mapped out well in advance.
Panels aren’t easy to recycle
Another major thing to consider is that recycling solar panels can be tricky. This is something to consider at the end of a project’s life, but only one specialist recycling centre in the UK manages panels. Considering how many solar panels exist in the UK, this isn’t enough by a large margin.
So, solar panels are often sent to landfill, creating a serious amount of waste. You’ll be pleased to know that many companies are improving their recycling efforts (like First Solar and Ørsted). However, we still have a long way to go before this is the norm.
The weather isn’t always reliable
If you’re looking to maximise income from your project, you’ll also want to remember that solar power can be intermittent. After all, cloud cover, snow, and shorter daylight hours during winter can all impact a project’s productivity.
Add in the fact that projects are expensive to set up and can take years to fully come to fruition, and it’s easy to see why getting a solar project on your land is a big decision.
Will a Solar Farm Devalue My Property?
Although you might think that solar farms would seriously impact the value of your property, they simply don’t.
While some see solar panels as an eyesore, they can boost property values by around 25 per cent. Plus, an impressive 74 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z said they would happily rent a property with solar panels.
These figures relate to residential properties, but having solar panels on your land is an excellent way to make extra income. These projects have an impressive ROI of around 10 to 20 per cent, meaning they’ll return their initial investment relatively quickly.
It’s also important to note that solar farms have less impact than people think. Solar panels on or near a property rarely decrease its value significantly. And with lower EPC ratings being a massive bonus for property purchases, they’re often seen as a net positive.
The Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Solar Farm
1. Consider the viability of your land
The first thing you’ll need to consider is the viability of your land.
From acreage to topography, soil type and irradiation, there’s a surprising amount to consider before developers give your land the green light.

The main aspects that your developer will look at are:
- Overall space
- Condition of the land
- Agricultural grading
- Location
- Sunlight levels
- Proximity to existing solar sites
If your land meets several criteria, you’re far more likely to command a high price and attract the interest of developers.
Space
Space is the primary consideration for any solar project; a 5 MW solar farm requires about 25 acres of land (five acres per 1 MW). However, most developers will look for upwards of 200 acres for most projects. This is because not all land will be usable.
Along with checking for acreage, your developer will also check:
- The overall efficiency of your panels
- Sun angles and spacing
- Construction considerations and infrastructure
After all, not all acreage is equal, and developers will want to get the best bang for their buck.
Condition
If you have plenty of acreage to spare, you’ll need to think about the overall condition of your land.
Generally, projects require:
- Sturdy soil
- Flat land (with a slope of no more than 5 per cent)
- Land that isn’t in a flood zone (developers usually pass over land in a flood zone in favour of more ideal sites)
You must meet the conditions above to ensure your land is a top pick for developers.

Grading
Although many landowners want to lease their land for extra income, some land is too agriculturally viable to suit solar development. So, if agricultural land is rated lower than ‘3b’, it will be extremely difficult to get planning permission.
Most developers choose to build solar farms on 3b land, as it’s moderate-quality land that isn’t reserved for agriculture. However, this land isn’t always readily available or is already built on.
To make things more difficult, the government hopes to strip back its planning rules even further to prevent developers from building on 3b land.
It’s also important to note that Local Authorities are unlikely to grant planning for:
- An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- National parks
- Ramsar Sites
- Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
- Sites of special scientific interest (SSSI)
Location
While your land can have ideal conditions for solar, it’s even better if your site is located near a Grid connection point.
If you already have a Grid connection to your property, you’ll be in a perfect position, as developers will be desperate to work with you. And with a massive backlog for Grid connection requests, it’s easy to see why.
Sunlight levels
It might seem obvious, but if you’re planning to start a solar farm, you’ll need decent sunlight levels around your site.
Sunlight levels vary hugely throughout the UK, with London receiving just 1,460 hours of sunlight each year (including summer). Scotland sees even less and gets an average of 1,384 hours per year out of a possible 4,383.
So, as you can see, some parts of the UK are much more suitable for starting a solar farm than others.
Generally, the southwest region of the UK is leading the way in solar energy. It produces an impressive 3.15 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity from solar power and receives far more sunlight than other parts of the country.
In short, I advise you to carefully check your area’s irradiation levels and sunlight hours before contacting any developers.
Use our solar project eligibility checker to find out if your land gets enough sunlight.
Download our FREE Solar farm checklist to find out if your land is eligible for a solar farm project.
Proximity to existing solar sites
Local Authorities are far more likely to grant your project planning permission if your land is near an existing solar site.
2. Secure a project on your land
If you’re dealing with a developer, they’ll consider several things when approaching a landowner to start a solar project.
This includes (but isn’t always limited to):
- Planning permission and research
- Carrying out feasibility studies and testing irradiation levels
- Getting a solid commitment from landowners in the form of an option agreement
- Getting approval from the local community and keeping the project local (when it comes to construction and contracting)
- Respecting the land and keeping it in good shape during the project’s lifetime
- Avoiding disputes by having open communication
- Having general, open conversations with landowners and their thoughts about developers they have spoken to
- Thinking about decommissioning well in advance and ensuring they have a solid plan in place
- Showcasing their portfolio to fill the landowner with confidence
Although I run through this in far more detail in our dedicated blog, I’ll leave you with the following information:
The main thing developers will want to do when trying to secure a site is build undeniable trust with the landowner. They should offer a fair rental agreement, make the option period hassle-free and present to the landowner a solid portfolio to demonstrate their credibility.
Realistically, the more successful projects a developer can show off, the more likely a landowner is to trust their abilities. And since a good relationship is crucial to any top-notch solar project, it’s a great place to start.
It’s also important to note that solid decommissioning plans can go a long way. Few landowners want to be left responsible for returning their land to its original state. So, if a developer has considered this from the option stage, it naturally builds trust.
3. Choose a developer
Choosing a developer can be tricky; you’ll need to feel comfortable working with them as they mount a project on your land.
To begin with, I’ll say that you don’t technically need a developer to start a solar farm. However, self-developing comes with its own challenges.
Self-developing means you’ll need to finance the project entirely and accept any risks and responsibilities of developing a site. The potential financial rewards can be huge if you can afford the initial investment. However, many landowners would rather be a touch more hands-off and take in the passive income that comes with leasing their land.
So, think carefully about which option works for you before giving a developer the green light.
If you need help deciding which option is right for you, don’t worry. Let’s have a quick rundown on the pros and cons of working with a developer.
Advantages of working with a developer
The main upsides to working with a developer are:
- Setup costs won’t be yours to bear, so you can sit back and relax while your developer gets to work.
- It’s far more risk-free than any alternative option, as you won’t need to repair anything on the site or deal with maintenance.
- Developers are typically more experienced as they’ll have mounted several projects before tackling yours.
- You can get on with your usual activities and won’t need to worry about managing a site operator.
Disadvantages of working with a developer
The main downsides to working with a developer are:
- You won’t make as much income from your project, as you’ll get a cut of the income instead of all the profits.
- Decisions about the project won’t be yours to make.
- Developers can sometimes be inexperienced, or the relationship can be poor, leading to a bad experience.

What to look for in a developer
Generally, you’ll want a good idea of:
- Who you’re dealing with. Is your developer working with go-betweens, or will you have a clear line to the developer?
- How much do they pay – are rates aligned with market rates, or are they undercutting you?
- How will they operate the site? Are they willing to replace broken panels and perform regular maintenance checks?
- Their willingness to work with you to maintain a good relationship dynamic – aggressiveness and a lack of flexibility are generally red flags.
To ensure you’re working with a solid developer, it’s always worth asking for references and proof of finance at a minimum. However, I also suggest asking for their plans for Grid connection and any potential Power Purchase Agreements they’re lining up for the site.
Choosing the right developer to start a solar farm is incredibly tricky. But with these points in mind, you’ll be in a stellar position to make the right choice for your project.
4. Sign an option agreement
An option agreement is a contract between a landowner and a renewable energy project developer that essentially reserves the land for a project.
They’re usually around five to 10 years long (depending on the expected time to secure planning permission and other necessary permits).
During the option period, a developer will apply for relevant permits, set up a Grid connection, secure financing and establish a formal lease agreement. If you’re a landowner, you have very little to lose by signing an option agreement with an experienced and established developer. Not only will this show that you’re serious about a project, but you should also get a decent lump sum for your efforts.
You’ll want to make sure you have the following things in order before signing:
- Clear lease terms
- An understanding of precisely who your developer is (including relevant points of contact)
- Well-worded lease terms that leave no doubt about what you’ll get out of the deal and what your responsibilities are
Enlist the help of experts
I also highly recommend talking to a dedicated team of experts who will examine the contract closely. Experts such as solicitors, land agents and accountants can advise you about whether the agreement looks fair for a solar project.
Solicitors will also be able to figure out:
- Who’s responsible for any legal fees
- The length of the option period
- How the developer will use the site
- Exclusivity terms
- Mutual obligations
- Payment terms
It’s always worth fully understanding what you’re signing – so don’t be afraid to enlist people who have seen it all before.
Do your research and get everything in writing
I also want to stress that you should never rely on verbal agreements. Although you might trust your developer, getting everything in writing is incredibly important. This way, you avoid miscommunications and can follow up any disputes with a viable paper trail.
Finally, it’s vital to do your research and come to the negotiating table armed with up-to-date figures on your site. If you can present information about market rates, potential profitability and the general value of your land, you’ll be in an excellent position to get a better deal.

5. Consider a Power Purchase Agreement
If you’re wondering how to start a solar farm, you may have heard the term ‘Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)’ floating around.
Power Purchase Agreements are essentially agreements between a site operator and an energy off-taker (AKA: the customer buying energy from your site). The contract sets up a long-term agreement that gives the developer a reliable rate for the site’s energy and reduces the risks of a fluctuating energy market.
While the developer will usually sell the energy at a lower price, the certainty that the agreement brings is tough to beat. And as the agreements last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, they’ll be in place for a large percentage of your project’s lifetime.
Advantages of a PPA
- They allow both the developer and landowner to plan for the long term, as a reliable income source is coming in
- The developer takes responsibility for the upfront costs of a project, and the PPA doesn’t change this
- The PPA lets a developer adequately budget for the site, as they know the off-taker is there to purchase the energy
- They help the developers avoid price volatility in the wholesale market
Disadvantages of a PPA
- The demand for renewables is only set to increase, so locking in a fixed price for energy may be a poor long-term plan
- Price certainty is excellent, but a PPA usually limits a site’s earning potential
- Landowners aren’t privy to the ins and outs of the agreement if they have a fixed payment arrangement
- The contracts can be complex, as the developers must consider contract duration and conditions for terminating the agreement.
Overall, landowners don’t need to worry too much about PPAs, as most choose an acreage-based, fixed payment arrangement. However, if your income relies on the site’s output, it’s important to get as much information about your site’s PPA as possible.
6. Secure capital for the project
If you’re self-developing a project as a landowner, you’ll need to secure capital.
Even if you’re not fronting the costs yourself, you might be interested in what your developer will do to finance the site.
There are usually four main options for financing a solar project, and these are:
- Self-financing (if you’re developing the site yourself and fully funding the cost)
- Bank financing
- External investment (including Angel Investors and high net-worth individuals)
- Power Purchase Agreements
It’s worth mentioning that most developers will use a combination of the methods above to fund their project. This is especially true for Power Purchase Agreements, which primarily come to fruition once a project is off the ground.

It doesn’t come without risk
Although bank financing is relatively reliable, there will always be risks when financing any solar project.
For example, you might run into construction hiccups or face supply-side issues that significantly extend the project’s building time. Connecting to the Grid can also seriously hold up a project.
It’s also important to note that there’s always a risk of theft with a large solar project. While this isn’t incredibly common, thieves have stolen solar panels amounting to around £450,000 in the past. So whoever’s financing the project would be forced to cover these losses.
If you’re self-financing a project
You’ll want to make sure you do the following:
- Don’t spend all your investment at once. It’s important to leave some money aside for unexpected hiccups during construction and have enough to cover site operator fees.
- Ensure the landowner and developer understand their responsibilities. To avoid disagreements, get these in writing at the lease agreement stage.
- Vet any potential investments carefully. Any cash injection will be helpful, but you want to make sure an investor will not fall through or pull out.
If you follow the steps above and consider where your investment comes from, you’ll be in a great position.
7. Create a watertight contract
Signing a watertight contract is one of the main things you’ll want to consider if you want to start a solar farm.
Before you even come to the contract signing stage, you’ll want to ensure you understand your option agreement fully.
This is because many (or most) terms from the initial option agreement will carry through to the final lease. So, being fully aware of what land the option covers and what’s expected of you will make the final lease far clearer.
It’s also a great idea to inquire about any Power Purchase Agreements at this stage. These agreements are less important if you’ve chosen a fixed payment arrangement, but if you’re on an output-based revenue arrangement, it’s in your best interest to know all about the PPAs.
This way, you can better understand the payments a site operator owes you.
In addition to finding out about the PPA, you’ll also want to do plenty of market research. If your land is near-ideal, you will want a higher rental rate. And if you have figures about what sites nearby are getting for their land – that’s even better.
With excellent knowledge of rates in the local area, you’ll be in a great position to negotiate a higher rate for your land.
Before signing on the dotted line, you’ll also want to consult experts like solicitors, land agents and accountants. Leasing your land can be complicated, and these teams will ensure you don’t miss anything major.
Other factors to consider
To get the best deal, you’ll also want to think about:
- Mid-lease options that’ll give you the chance to renegotiate at a specific point in your lease
- Whether there are any sites nearby – this way, you can ask the landowners how the project affects them day-to-day
- What payment arrangement will suit you best
- The time it’ll take to get the project on your land – any good developer should be able to give you a ballpark figure
- What your responsibilities will be during the monitoring and management phase (and get these in writing)
- The scope of land that’s subject to the agreement and what you’ll be allowed to use freely
- What your developer’s plans are for decommissioning
As you’re signing a lease for upwards of 30 years, you’ll want to ensure you get the best deal possible. So don’t rush the process.
8. Connect to the Grid
Solar Grid connection is one of the main things that can hold up a project, as so many sites are vying for connection in the UK.
Now, if you’re entirely new to energy distribution in the UK, let’s quickly cover what the National Grid is.
The National Grid is the central system responsible for powering all homes and businesses in the UK. It consists of 14 local networks that ensure all properties around the country have sufficient power.
As you might expect, some of these local grids are more oversubscribed than others. For example, London’s network is far more pressed for space than Scotland’s. So, it’s a fine balancing act to keep each local Grid running smoothly.
Three steps to Grid connection
The Grid connection process involves three main steps:
- The initial offer
- A follow-up offer
- Laying the cables and managing the connection
This process can take a while, but the first two stages usually take around 12 months to complete. Then, it’s all about how long it takes to physically lay the cables and get the project up and running.
If your primary concern is time, you might be disappointed to know that Grid connection backlogs are a serious issue in the UK. Some sites are left waiting upwards of 10 years for connection, and the number is only rising as renewable energy becomes more sought-after.
If you wait until the final lease to apply for a Grid connection, you could be waiting years to get your project off the ground.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Landowners typically apply for Grid connection at the option stage. If the project falls through for any reason, they can simply release their offer back to the Grid once it comes through.
Can I take back the Grid connection for myself?
You might eventually want to take back the Grid connection for yourself. And that’s completely understandable, as Grid connection is a major asset (as you can assume from that backlog I just mentioned).
To do this, you’ll need to prove that you own the land, provide technical drawings of the site and outline any impact your decision might have on the Grid.
Just be warned that few site operators will want to give up Grid connection without a fight. So, be prepared to take the matter to court if necessary.
9. Constructing the solar farm
If you’re getting ready to start a solar farm, you should be in the know about the construction phase. This phase is when the steel beams, torque tubes, inverters, wiring and panels come into the mix.
During the solar farm building phase, your developer will run through the following steps:
- Researching the site with desktop studies
- Securing land, permits and planning permission for the site
- Carrying out a detailed site survey and outlining any boundaries
- Installing the mounting
- Placing the solar panels
- Installing the electrical wiring
- Connecting the solar inverter to the overall system
- Running the project through quality control
- Getting Grid connection
Each of these steps is detailed, but your developer should be able to run you through exactly how long the process will take. However, be aware that construction delays are common and unexpected circumstances can cause minor delays.
The construction process for the average solar farm generally takes as little as two months. However, the Grid connection process can prolong things by several years. So, you may need to wait until the project starts earning you a solid income after the option stage.
But don’t fret too much. While the developer is constructing the project, you can still use your land as normal. Anything outside of the land that’s bookmarked under your option agreement, that is.
10. Managing and monitoring a solar project
Once your developer has built the project, you’ll move into the management and monitoring phase of your solar farm’s life.
During this process, you’ll see the following things happen:
- Developers will keep areas around the solar array mowed, trim hedges and cut back any trees that might shade panels. They may also spray the area for weed control.
- Site operators will also regularly check the structural stability of any mounts, along with the electrical wiring.
- They’ll clean the panels semi-regularly to eliminate bird droppings, snow and ice.
- The site operator will check for defects regularly, including chips, cracks, dents or fogged glazing.
Sites are often managed using CCTV to track trespassers and monitor external damage. However, developers will also install solar monitors that show when a system is at peak performance. If performance drops unexpectedly, this will prompt the site operator to check for problems.
Report problems and keep track of any ownership changes
Although landowners will not have much to do during the monitoring phase, I do have some advice to keep things running smoothly.
Generally, you’ll want to maintain a good relationship with your site operator by reporting any problems you see. It’s also important to outline responsibilities early to avoid disputes.
Throughout your project’s lifespan, it’s important to keep track of any changes in ownership. Given that leases are often long-term, it’s highly likely that the project may change hands at some point. Therefore, ensure you always know who you’re working with.
Keep an eye on your payments
Before I close this section and move on, I’ll also quickly mention the importance of auditing.
Careful auditing catches any missed payments or underpayments. To accurately track your payments, check them as and when they arrive. There’s a statute of limitations for uncovering missed payments, and you don’t want to miss the boat.
With careful tracking, you’re also more likely to get the income you’re owed without a dispute.
11. Understand the consequences of ROC removals
If you’re considering starting a solar farm, the removal of the Renewables Obligation Certificates probably hasn’t crossed your mind. But you might be interested to know how removing these subsidies will affect the viability of future solar sites in the UK.
For context, Renewables Obligation Certificates were green certificates issued to operators of renewable energy sites. They subsidised the cost of renewable energy projects and aimed to encourage renewable energy generation.

The government has handed out these subsidies to solar farms since 2002. However, they’ll end entirely in 2027 and have been closed to new applications since 2015 (for large-scale solar projects above 5 MW). This was announced two years earlier than expected, with a final early closure date of April 2016.
While older projects remain grandfathered into the scheme until the end of their life, no new solar projects will benefit from these subsidies. Instead, they’ll deal with the slightly less appealing Contracts for Differences Scheme that the Government brought in as a replacement.
For landowners without a project on their land
If you’re a landowner, this is how ROC removals are likely to affect you if you don’t already have a project:
- They may make projects less appealing to landowners, as there’s a greater financial risk.
- They make solar projects more expensive to run.
For landowners with a project on their land
However, if you already have a project on your land, you’re likely to see:
- A slight reduction in rental payments as your site operator adjusts to the drop in income from the ROC removals. This should only be proportionate to the site’s drop in income – if it’s anything less, reach out to your site operator.
- As technology on solar sites is constantly improving, the effect might be minimal. You may need fewer solar panels to produce an equivalent amount of energy in the future.
12. Overcome planning permission hurdles
If you’re planning to start a solar farm, planning permission is one of the main hurdles you’ll need to overcome.
Planning permission is a legal requirement designed to keep the UK looking relatively uniform and prevent any building that may negatively impact communities.
I won’t sugarcoat it – getting planning permission for a solar farm in the UK is difficult. This is because projects need to be approved by local authorities or the Secretary of State for DENZ.
Planning permission requirements vary across the devolved nations, with England having some of the strictest requirements. But mounting a large-scale solar project will be challenging anywhere across the country.
You’ll first need to submit a planning application (which includes a hefty fee) and then wait for an initial offer. If you’re lucky enough to get an offer, you’ll get a follow-up offer within nine months. Then, you can start construction on a process.
For large-scale NSIP projects in England, this entire project can take around four years. It’s shorter for smaller projects but can still take several years.
Unfortunately, you cannot do much to speed up or change the planning process. However, the Labour government removed the de facto ban on wind farms in July 2024 by amending the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF). This amendment puts onshore wind farms on the same footing as all other renewable energy projects from a planning perspective.
There is an upside, though. Unless you’re self-developing your project, the onus of getting planning permission lies with a developer. So you should be able to side-step most of the stress as a landowner.
13. Decommission the solar farm
Decommissioning is technically a landowner’s legal responsibility. However, developers usually take on this task (so don’t worry too much). If you don’t want to risk returning your land to its original state, always include decommissioning plans in your lease.
Now that I’ve covered that, let’s quickly examine the lifespan of a solar project.
Generally, a solar project can last for around 35 years, depending on the type of panels you’re using. Monocrystalline panels last the longest, but even polycrystalline panels have impressive lifespans if they’re cared for properly.

Factors that affect a solar panel’s lifespan
As with anything, solar panel lifespans can be affected by external factors such as:
- Weather (like snow, sleet, humidity and strong winds)
- Light (panels degrade over time as they’re exposed to more sunshine)
- High voltage and high temperatures that lead to potential-induced degradation
How to extend the life of your solar panels
You can’t avoid the external factors I’ve just discussed, but there are some steps you can take to make panels last longer.
For example, your site operator can:
- Regularly clean them and perform maintenance checks to remove dirt and debris
- Check all inputs carefully regularly to catch faults and repair them quickly
These simple checks can work wonders for boosting the lifespan of any solar farm.
Final Thoughts
Now, I know that this is a lot of information to take in. However, I hope that this ultimate guide has given you a solid rundown on how to start a solar farm.
If you want to see whether your site measures up, download our solar farm eligibility checklist. This will help you determine whether your land is suitable for solar and can save you a lot of time.
If you’d like more detailed information about how to start a solar farm on your site, get in touch. From reviewing your land to helping you get the best payment arrangement possible, my expert team is just a contact form away.
Try out our solar project calculator to see how likely you are to be able to have a project on your land.



