Solar Farm Planning and Environmental Consultancy

Specialist planning support for commercial solar developments across the UK

Solar farm development in the UK is growing fast, driven by net zero targets, rising energy costs, and strong investor appetite for renewable infrastructure. But getting a solar project from initial site identification to planning consent involves navigating a complex mix of environmental, planning, and policy considerations. That's where we come in. Engena provides end-to-end planning and environmental consultancy for commercial-scale solar farms, supporting developers, landowners, and investors through every stage of the process.

What is a commercial solar farm?

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A commercial solar farm, sometimes called a solar park or solar power station, is a large-scale installation that generates electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels. These sites convert sunlight directly into electricity, which is fed into the national grid.

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Modern solar farms range from a few megawatts to nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) of 100MW or more. They are typically sited on agricultural or brownfield land, with careful consideration given to land use, grid capacity, and environmental impact.

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Why solar matters

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Solar is now one of the cheapest forms of new electricity generation in the UK. Alongside wind and storage, it plays a central role in delivering the country's 2030 clean power ambitions.

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Well-designed solar farms offer more than just clean electricity. With the right approach, they can improve biodiversity, support agricultural co-use through agrivoltaics, and bring long-term income to landowners while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

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How Engena supports solar farm developers

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We work with solar developers and landowners from initial feasibility through to planning determination and beyond. Our services across the solar sector include:

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Site appraisal and feasibility studies to assess viability early
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Reports for sites below EIA threshold
Planning applications including full Design and Access Statements
Grid connection and DNO liaison support
Public consultation and stakeholder engagement
Appeals and planning refusal support

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Whether your project is a 10MW community-scale solar farm or a 100MW+ NSIP, our approach is the same. We focus on identifying the risks early, building a planning strategy that holds up to scrutiny, and getting your project consented.

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Key considerations for solar farm development

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Every solar site is different, but the core considerations tend to be consistent:

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Land availability and agricultural land classification (ALC)
Solar irradiance and site orientation
Grid connection timelines and capacity
Landscape and visual impact
Ecology, biodiversity net gain, and protected species
Glint and glare assessments
Local and national planning policy

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Our job is to get ahead of these issues, not react to them. We identify potential constraints during feasibility, then design a planning strategy that addresses them proactively.