A farm in Truro has been given the go ahead to install 11MW worth of photovoltaic panels, following approval from Cornwall Council.
The area allocated for the technology is currently used as grazing land for sheep and llamas, and will remain so despite the installation of 45,000 panels.
Comprising 24-hectares, the site will help to provide an extra revenue stream for the farm's owners, as well as clean, renewable energy.
Farmer Tom Tripp has been grazing sheep on the land for 25 years and said he is "thrilled" that the plans have been agreed. He hopes that he will continue to graze sheep on the land for the next 25 years.
"The regular rental income it will provide will both cement our core farming business for the future and enable us to extend our llama educational, trekking and therapy offering – both things that we are very passionate about!” he told Solar Power Portal.
It has been estimated that the farm will be able to generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of 3,125 households.
The area set aside for solar construction has been chosen due to its prime location to capture the sun's energy, whilst also not having a high visual impact on the countryside.
Solar panels do not necessarily have to be introduced on such a large scale to make a difference in terms of both carbon reduction and money saving.
Installing panels to domestic properties could really prove to be a benefit to homeowners, especially considering the rising cost of energy bills.
It is worth researching what local initiatives are available for energy efficient installations in your area. This could range from grants being made available to short-term loans.
Furthermore, homeowners can still benefit hugely from schemes such as the feed in tariff and the Green Deal in order to apply solar technology to their property.