Leasing land for solar in Somerset.
Somerset has plenty of open farmland and a council planning for more renewables, but also flood plains and protected hills. Here's what matters locally.
What matters for solar in Somerset.
One council decides
Since April 2023, Somerset Council has decided planning across the county, apart from Exmoor. The old district local plans still apply until a new Somerset plan is ready.
Mapped for renewables
The council's Energy Investment Plan (2024) maps areas that may suit solar and wind, as evidence for the new local plan.
Watch the flood plain
The Somerset Levels and Moors cover more than 60,000 hectares at high flood risk. Higher, drier land is usually a better fit for solar.
Protected hills
The Quantocks, Mendips and Blackdown Hills are National Landscapes, and Exmoor is a national park. Sites outside them are easier to consent.
Who decides in Somerset.
Somerset Council decides most solar farms in Somerset, and Exmoor National Park Authority decides within the park. Solar farms up to 100MW are decided by the local planning authority. Larger schemes go through the national planning process, after the threshold rose from 50MW on 31 December 2025.
Planning authorities
- Somerset Council (unitary since April 2023)
- Exmoor National Park Authority
- North Somerset Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council (separate councils)
Protected landscapes
- Exmoor National Park (about two-thirds is in Somerset)
- Quantock Hills National Landscape
- Mendip Hills National Landscape
- Blackdown Hills National Landscape
- Part of Cranborne Chase National Landscape
A single new Somerset Local Plan is expected around 2029.
Grid access in Somerset.
Somerset is mainly served by National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED). Capacity differs from one substation to the next, so where your land connects matters.
Grid connections reform has reshaped the queue. In December 2025, NGED confirmed reformed queue positions across its areas, with around 9.8GW of solar still in the queue. Projects with land secured and planning moving now get priority.
That is why we check the grid first, for free, before you sign anything. How grid reform affects landowners →
A steady rent, at no cost to you.
Every site is different. We give you a clear figure once we know your land. How solar rents work →
Rent
Solar rents are often around £1,000 per acre a year, linked to inflation, for the life of the lease.
Lease length
Most new solar leases run for around 30 to 40 years. At the end, the land is restored.
No cost to you
The project pays for surveys, grid and planning, and we cover your reasonable legal fees.
Keep farming
Sheep can graze between the panels, and the land can be managed for wildlife.
Solar in Somerset: questions
Who decides a solar farm planning application in Somerset?
Somerset Council, which replaced the old district councils in April 2023, or Exmoor National Park Authority within the park. North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset have their own councils.
Can a solar farm go on the Somerset Levels?
Land in high flood risk zones is harder to consent and needs a flood risk assessment. Higher, drier fields are usually a better fit. We check flood zones as part of our free land check.
How much do solar farms pay per acre in Somerset?
Solar rents are often around £1,000 per acre a year, linked to inflation, but the figure depends on the grid connection, the site and the market. We give you a clear figure once we know your land.
Is there grid capacity for solar in Somerset?
It depends on your nearest substation and the queue ahead of it. A free grid check is the quickest way to find out.
Other counties
Sources:Planning Portal: 2023 council changes · Somerset Energy Investment Plan · Somerset Intelligence: designations · Somerset Intelligence: flooding · NGED: queue formation. Checked 1 October 2026.
Got land in Somerset? Check it for free.
Tell us where it is. We'll check the grid and planning picture and give you an honest answer.