With large-scale solar farms rapidly appearing across Suffolk, now is the time to explore the true power of the sun and what it could mean for you. Suffolk County Council recognises that solar power plays a vital role in our future energy mix, alongside other sustainable technologies.

However, the rise in solar farms poses a challenge. The growing demand for land to house these installations threatens the use of high-quality agricultural areas—land that is crucial for local food production. While energy security is essential, so too is food security. Replacing farmland with solar farms risks compromising our ability to produce homegrown food and maintain the rural character of our communities.

Beyond this, large solar farms can cause disruption to local life—impacting house prices, creating noise and traffic during construction, and damaging fragile ecosystems.

Suffolk County Council has also raised concerns about the global supply chain for solar panels, including potential links to forced and child labour in certain manufacturing regions. This makes choosing a local, trusted installer more important than ever. Companies like Solar Suffolk provide transparency, using ethically sourced components and offering peace of mind.

The best alternative? More independent rooftop solar installations. By making use of existing buildings—homes, businesses, barns, and public facilities—we can harness the sun’s energy without sacrificing valuable farmland or harming our environment.

Now is the time to act. Invest in rooftop solar and help Suffolk build a truly sustainable, ethical, and locally driven green energy future.