Will the proof be in the power? Lessons from Solar and Storage Live on how solar developers can support local communities

After speaking on a lively panel discussion this afternoon at Solar and Storage Live, it’s clear that the relationship between solar developers and local communities has a long way to go. However, there is also opportunity for solar developers to shift initial concerns to a more collaborative footing — if engagement is done right.

We know that solar development continues to dominate the DCO world. In January 2025, 84 energy NSIPS were live with the Planning Inspectorate, nearly half of which are nationally significant solar farms. 

The result of this surge in solar development over recent years is that some communities in the country are seeing multiple projects come forward at once. This has resulted in more organised opposition groups, and a need to re-examine how we engage with communities that now have experience of development and potentially pre-determined views. 

This afternoon I joined RWE, Solar Energy UK, InnoRA Consulting, and Rowan Energy to share thoughts on how the solar industry can support local communities. There was a great range of perspectives in the discussion from policy & regulation to corporate large-scale solar, and peer-to-peer solutions. After many interesting thoughts, and some healthy debate, what emerged was that to bring the public with us on the journey to clean power, we need to communicate honestly, not just with the public, but within the industry itself. 

In line with the findings from our 2025 NSIP Research Energy, Everywhere, All At Once,—which found that 71% of surveyed individuals knew little or nothing about solar farms, even though they lived nearby—we discussed the general lack of awareness about solar farms. This included common misconceptions about the impact of living near an operational solar farm and its environmental effects. 

The information gap can create uncertainty and increase the likelihood of opposition. Our panel discussion reinforced the importance of proactive communication, not just about solar energy’s environmental benefits but also its local economic and social impacts. Where multiple infrastructure projects overlap, fatigue can set in and communities often express frustration at what is perceived to be a lack of ‘joined up thinking’. Developers must acknowledge and address the cumulative impacts of multiple projects from the community’s perspective, rather than treating each project in isolation. 

Trust remains a critical factor in securing local support, and once lost, it can be very hard to regain. As we discussed on the panel, meaningful engagement extends beyond statutory requirements and consultation—it requires ongoing dialogue, transparency, and a commitment to adapting plans based on feedback. RWE emphasised the importance of maintaining long-term relationships within communities as is outlined in their Solar Developer Charter. The charter sets out key commitments, including early engagement, transparency around project impacts, and a structured approach to delivering community benefit so projects can deliver long-term value.

This was my third year speaking at Solar and Storage Live, and at the risk of repeating myself, early engagement remained a key theme in the discussion. Engaging early ensures that local voices shape project design and decision-making from the outset. This is also supported by Solar Energy UK’s Community Engagement Good Practice Guidance, which emphasises early and transparent communication alongside clear information sharing.

Crucially, as more projects gain consent and move into construction, communities need to see tangible benefits from hosting solar farms. The conversation at Solar & Storage Live reinforced that for the energy transition to maintain public support, the industry must invest in its pre-application engagement to build trust and lay the foundation for a lasting legacy.