This document provides an introduction to photovoltaic (PV) technology and considerations for agricultural landowners interested in solar development. It discusses the basics of grid-connected PV systems and the UK's Clean Energy Cashback tariff program. Key questions are outlined for solar developers regarding system ownership, equipment, planning and grid connection. Case studies of ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar farms are also presented.

1. An introduction to PV technology, key questions for developers and case studies Solar Development using Agricultural Land David Owen, Managing Director Solar Media Ltd Farming Futures – Everything you need to know about solar PV and your farm. 13 th October 2010

3. Energy Potential for PV The sun radiates more than enough energy onto the Earth in just one day to provide enough energy for the global population of 5.9 billion people for 27 years

4. The Photovoltaic Effect The photovoltaic effect is the conversion of light energy into electrical energy and needs a semiconductor material like silicon to absorb the solar radiation and convert it into electricity. Unlike metals where electricity can only be conducted by electrons, semiconductors can conduct electricity with negatively charged electrons and positively charged “holes”

5. Basics of a grid connected PV system To Grid On-site Load PV Modules Inverter Export Meter Import Meter

6. The Clean Energy Cashback - Tariffs 25 29.3 Standalone Solar PV 25 29.3 >100kW - 5MW Solar PV 25 31.4 >10 - 100kW Solar PV 25 36.1 >4-10kW Solar PV 25 41.3 ≤ 4 kW retrofit Solar PV 25 36.1 ≤ 4 kW new Solar PV Duration (years) Feed-in tariff (pence/kWh) Scale Energy Source

12. Cornwall Planning

13. What Could it Look like?

14. Solar Farm Case Studies

20. Dual Purpose Not only are solar panels easily integrated into the natural landscape, they are also proved to work well with grazing animals, offering shade as well as shelter.