Green Power and Grazing Sheep: Preston’s Bold New Solar Project Blends Tradition With Tomorrow
Preston approves a 40-year solar farm scheme—feeding 5,900 homes with green energy, while sheep continue to graze beneath the panels.
- 40 Years: Projected lifespan before returning land to grassland
- 5,900 Homes: Number of UK households to be powered
- 3.25 Meters: Maximum height of solar panel frames
- 100%: Farmland use retained for grazing sheep
A new era has dawned for Preston as councillors green-lit a futuristic—but surprisingly pastoral—energy project at Lower House Farm. Sheep will soon roam lush pastures under gleaming solar panels, generating enough clean electricity to power nearly 6,000 homes. But what’s behind this wave of “agrivoltaics,” and why is the countryside embracing it now?
With global energy demands surging and the UK’s net zero goals looming, the fusion of agriculture and solar power promises to reshape rural life—and spark trends far beyond the fields of Preston.
Q: What Makes Preston’s Solar Farm Unique?
The landscape at Lower House Farm won’t lose its rural charm. The panels stand on slender frames just over three meters tall, allowing sheep to graze unbothered beneath them. The development isn’t just about power—it’s about maximizing land use, preserving farming traditions, and pioneering eco-innovation.
The site’s location near Woodplumpton and New Mill brooks offers rare grid access for renewable projects in the area—a crucial factor since green energy needs robust infrastructure to reach homes.
How Will Sheep and Solar Panels Co-Exist?
Farmers will seed shade-tolerant grasses, ensuring sheep can graze year-round. Unlike typical infrastructure projects, this solar farm keeps the soil alive, preventing the “dead zones” seen under concrete installations.
Councillors learned the site will be almost invisible to the public. Scrubby hedgerows and new tree groups—carefully chosen to reflect the local landscape—will screen the panels, blending industry with nature.
Q: Why Now—and What Does This Mean for the UK?
With pressure mounting for cities and towns to boost clean energy, hybrid projects like this are growing fast. According to UK government energy data, solar capacity is expected to double by 2030.
Councils increasingly back schemes that don’t sacrifice farmland but bolster biodiversity and rural livelihoods. These “solar grazing” systems provide steady income for farmers, encourage pollinators, and enhance resilience to climate change.
How Long Will This Transformation Last?
This particular development is temporary—with a 40-year lifespan. When decommissioned, the panels will be removed and the land restored to pure pasture, leaving behind richer soil and decades of local energy security.
Want to Know More About Sustainable Farming?
Learn how agrivoltaics is changing agriculture at National Grid or explore the latest in UK renewable initiatives on BBC. For agricultural best practices, visit RSPB.
Ready to see how solar-powered fields can change your community? Follow the checklist below and share this innovation story!
- Watch for new solar farm proposals in your region
- Support local farms adopting green technology
- Share news on UK clean energy projects with friends
- Stay updated on agrivoltaic trends across Europe
The future of agriculture is bright—powered by both sun and sheep. Will your community follow Preston’s lead?