Over 50% of the UK public support the development of large-scale solar projects in their local area, compared with 25% in opposition, according to a new report.
The report ‘2022: A Bright Future for Solar, Realising the UK’s Potential’ by Solar Energy UK and Copper Consultancy found 56% of respondents backed solar projects.
Public support for local solar farms is also shown to increase over time, more than one in six people surveyed have become more supportive, the survey found.
The survey is based on a total of 2003 respondents and a sample of 492 people living near large-scale ground-mount solar projects.
Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett (pictured) said: “Solar farms are now part of the British landscape, and this ground-breaking survey shows strong public support, from all parts of the country.
“It is especially good to see that people who live close to them become even more favourable over time.”
“We understand that one top public concern is how a solar farm will impact local nature, which is why we are working with ecologists to develop best practice for land management and regular monitoring.
“Evidence so far shows a solar farm usually increases the biodiversity of wildflowers, pollinators and bird species.”
Copper Consultancy director of energy infrastructure Sam Cranston said: “2022 is set to be another historic year for solar energy in the UK as developers look to bring forward large scale sites in record numbers.
“Our research into public attitudes clearly shows widespread support for solar and, crucially, that this grows over time.
“The findings also show that developers and the wider industry can build advocacy even further by raising awareness of the physical and local benefits that solar projects offer, beyond their green credentials.”
But, despite high levels of support overall, the study found that there is potential to mobilise public esteem of solar farms even further, given that 56% of people are still unaware that solar farms’ can deliver on natural capital and biodiversity.
It also found that 39% of respondents perceive public opposition to solar farms as the main barrier to development in their area.
The research also shows that there is some variation subject to various demographic characteristics such as age, region and annual income.
Ultimately, an improved understanding of the jobs, skills, and supply chain opportunities that arise from solar projects is necessary, Solar Energy UK said.