Showcasing renewables at the Farm Business Innovation Show

Last week saw the Lightsource bp team on the road discussing the benefits of leasing land for solar projects, at the NEC in Birmingham during the annual Farm Business Innovation Show. This event is dedicated to empowering farmers, landowners and agricultural professionals with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to drive innovation, diversification and growth in their businesses.

The show brings together industry experts, suppliers and thought leaders to create a dynamic platform for learning, networking and discovering new opportunities, and so is a crucial event for Lightsource bp in the UK. It has always been our goal to support the rural economy and partner with farming communities and entities across the UK to drive the low carbon transition and support the development of renewable energy projects. That’s why events such as the Farm Business Innovation Show are so important to us.

The team spent two days speaking to hundreds of farmers about how leasing land to Lightsource bp could be the next step for their business. Solar is becoming an increasingly popular option for farmers and landowners across the UK – it pays out regardless of the weather, comes with decades of guaranteed income and has the added benefit of having significant positive impacts for the land, the local community and the environment.

Leasing your land for solar doesn’t mean abandoning traditional farming practices, either. Solar farms are the perfect place to graze sheep, and many landowners find that renting land for solar means they’re able to make the acres generate two streams of revenue – income from the panels and income from a flock. Solar panels provide shade and shelter for sheep, while the secure fencing offers protection from predation and harassment. Research from across the world, from America to Australia, suggests that solar grazing is a win for your sheep and your bottom line.