Other Solutions To Solar Farms In the Countryside
Solar Power Does Not Need To Devastate Our Countryside
CPRE Oxfordshire (the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England) highlights the inappropriate use of rural and agricultural land for solar power:
CPRE Oxfordshire recognise that climate change is a huge threat to the countryside and urgent action is required to stop it. We need to rapidly decarbonise our energy system in a way that protects the countryside for future generations.
The recent Climate Change Committee plan, issued in February 2025, shows that only 0.6% of England is required for solar energy, meaning we can be highly selective about where solar installations are permitted, avoiding damage to important landscapes and food production…
There is sufficient space on commercial and industrial roofs to accommodate all or almost all of the solar energy requirement, producing energy more efficiently at the point of use, and leaving our countryside intact.
The county urgently needs a Renewables Strategy that guides a planned approach to solar energy development, including policy to insist all new housing and commercial development incorporates solar on rooftops.
So What Other Solutions Are There?
Solar power is best strategically sited with nearby grid connections and suitable access for construction and maintenance.
Suitable sitings includes:
- Rooftop solar – Panels should be installed on homes, offices, warehouses, schools, and public buildings across Oxfordshire. These sites already exist, so they avoid land-use conflicts and make the most of underutilized space.
2. Brownfield sites – Previously developed land, like the Didcot Power Station site (which is already linked to the Grid), should be prioritized for solar development. This keeps productive farmland and green spaces intact.
3. Industrial sites, warehouses and landfill sites.
Solar is one method of renewable energy provision. Many innovative solutions are being developed across the sector, here and elsewhere in Europe and the world. There are many alternatives which do not swallow up the countryside and which respect farming and natural resources.
Solar is one method of renewable energy provision. Many innovative solutions are being developed across the sector, here and elsewhere in Europe and the world. There are many alternatives which do not swallow up the countryside and which respect farming and natural resources.
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