We develop these projects and we are regularly asked to evaluate sites to see if they are suitable candidates for this purpose.

There are three main considerations:

• Land - is it firm and relatively flat, with large areas which are not overlooked or close to any amenity, housing or road network.
• Planning - will it get Planning approval from the Council and/or An Bord Planala
• Grid - is it close to the Grid network line or a substation with capacity to take the newly generated power.

The most important of these is Grid access - and is generally the main reason why most sites are deemed to be unsuitable.

If the site is viable, then it can attract a very high rent per acre for a 40 year period with no cost and zero labour required from the landowner. Growing power instead of using the land for any other purpose is also contributing enormously to meeting our climate change goals and improving the lives of everyone on the planet. Sounds great doesn't it !!

Over the next few weeks we will explore each of these aspects in greater detail and if you are interested in an assessment of your land for solar then contact me at noel@shannon.energy