The technology is extremely safe and reliable. It does not interfere with equipment such as mobile phones, heart monitors, pacemakers, hearing aids or TV reception.

Solar farms typically consist of rows of solar panels up to one metre off the ground, fixed at an angle to maximise exposure to the sun. Spacing requirements mean the solar panels only take up around one third of the solar farm site, with most of the land being retained as open land, free from intensive farming.

Solar panels are typically mounted on steel frames, which are driven or screwed into the ground. As a result, solar farms involve very low volumes of earthworks and have very little physical impact on the land where they are located. Solar farms can be easily screened from view by setting them back from boundaries and by appropriate screen planting.

Our proposals typically seek to retain existing trees and hedgerows around the site. In addition, comprehensive landscaping is included as part of the planned solar farm development to ensure that there is minimal visual impact from houses and public vantage points.

Harmony Energy pays £125,000 a Year in Business Rates for Cumberland Council, that’s up to £5 million over the lifetime of the development, supporting vital local services.

To further ensure communities feel supported by us, we have set up a £10,000 Annual Community Fund for Wreay Solar Farm, totalling up to £400,000 throughout the project lifecycle.

The fund will provide support for grassroots initiatives, local charities and neighbourhood groups that matter most to people living locally. Find out more.

No, the opposite. Solar farms have been proven to encourage wildlife to flourish during the rejuvenation period of the land.

No. The life of a solar farm can depend on the duration of the resource consent issued by a council. But a council can also impose a condition requiring the solar farm to be dismantled if it is no longer functional.

A solar farm can be dismantled as quickly and as easily as it was constructed and the materials are almost entirely recyclable (with core components comprising glass, silicon, aluminium and steel).

During the construction phase, there is a small increase in the number of vehicles delivering materials to the site. There will be a traffic management plan to prevent damage and minimise disruption. Once the site is built, traffic will cease almost entirely.

No. Only approximately 0.5% of a solar farm is in direct contact with the ground. The land underneath the panels will still allow the overland flow of water and not affect the ability of water to soak into the ground. We always undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment as part of our application, which will identify any special measures required.

Solar panels are designed to absorb light and not to reflect it. They pose little risk of glint or glare, and solar panels have been installed on many airport runways around the world. There are no visible lights on a solar farm.

Yes. Every solar panel company (importer or manufacturer) in the UK must join a Producer Compliance Scheme (PCS), such as the Government-approved PV CYCLE. This ensures that all solar panels are collected and recycled properly. At the farm’s end of life it is decommissioned, and the panels along with other elements are recycled.

Yes, a grid connection was agreed with Electricity North West Limited (ENWL) in May 2022 to connect the project into the overhead lines. These overhead lines are the 132kV feed between Harker Grid Supply Point and Penrith Newtongate Substation.

Earlier this year, we received confirmation notification that as part of NESO’s Connection Reform process, the site has a Gate 2 Phase 2 offer, meaning a connection target of between 2031-2035 following the upgrade works to Harker Grid Supply Point that are already underwork by National Grid. However, should the proposals get planning consent this could be brought forward.

We will be looking to connect into the existing overhead line via a new Point of Connection mast to the west of our main development area, as shown on the proposed plans. If you want more information about this please do not hesitate to contact our Grid team.