My name is Alex Laws. I am a postgraduate research student working at Moulton College and the University of Northampton.
The rapid expansion of renewable technologies has been stimulated by EU targets to reduce carbon emissions that led to subsidies for investors and developers. Of these technologies solar enjoys the greatest level of public support, largely because it is inert with no moving parts and minimal environmental impact. However, sentiment has been eroded by recent government rhetoric as subsidies have been withdrawn to slow the expansion. Ministers have claimed that solar farms in particular exert pressure on agricultural productivity. Conversely the solar industry has extolled the virtues of solar farms as continuing to provide land for grazing and other ecosystem services, and diversifying income for a beleaguered farming industry. These conflicting arguments have fuelled a debate around the future sustainability of solar farms. Is there an impact on productivity; how significant is that impact; and to what extent do the benefits outweigh any disadvantages?