Renewable energy is a popular way of diversification and generating additional income for many Scottish farmers.

While wind generation has been the renewable energy of choice, many are now exploring introducing solar farms into their business. The move has been encouraged by politicians at Holyrood through the National Planning Framework 4 and the Scottish Government’s Draft Energy Strategy.

Yaw Ofori, managing director for the solar photovoltaic power plant specialists greentech, explains more about the planning process for a solar farm and how farmers can successfully navigate it to meet their diversification plans. Mr Ofori said: “The planning application process is there to ensure that any new solar farm developments meet local and national planning policies.

“Getting the solar farm design right is essential. As well as maximising the yield of the site and ensuring it is safe and efficient to operate and maintain, the designs must consider local planning conditions and requirements as well as input and consideration from the local community.”

Mr Ofori points to the importance of supporting evidence to an application, including technical reports such as a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Transportation Assessment, Flood Risk Assessment, Glint and Glare Study, Ecological Appraisal and Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations, Agricultural Land Classification, and a Cultural Heritage Appraisal.

READ MORE: Renewable energy developments - will NPF4 help?

As part of the planning process, the local authority will undertake its own consultation with local residents and businesses, although greentech conducts its own public engagement programme for each application. For this programme, greentech advertises applications in the press, sets up a microsite and holds in-person consultation events.

A solar farm application can take up to 13 weeks to receive a decision and while a refusal can be a setback, it’s not the end of the road. Applications can be adapted and resubmitted.

Greentech urges people not to be put off by the process. The firm said: “Due to our internal pre-assessment processes and expert consultants we only submit planning applications for the sites that have viable grid connections, potential yields for the landowner, and those we believe will be acceptable to the local authority planners. This saves everyone effort, time and costs in the long run.

“A specialist developer will handle the process and prepare all the necessary documents and technical reports at zero cost to yourself whilst working with you and keeping you posted at every stage so you don’t need to worry about it.”