What is this project?

Image of a typical solar farm

Common Farm Solar is a new and exciting renewable energy project proposal in Rotherham with the potential to generate around 49MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 18,800 homes each year.

The proposals are from Banks Renewables, part of The Banks Group and the company that developed and operate Penny Hill Wind Farm in the South East of Rotherham.

After undergoing a detailed land search, the Common Farm site was identified as having the best opportunity to create a solar farm that links directly into the nearby electricity substation.

The local electricity grid has sufficient capacity to accommodate our proposed south facing Common Farm site. The project will also include a battery storage facility which will enable us to store energy generated from the sun and deliver it to homes when they need it most.

Our proposals

Proposed layout of Common Farm Solar

Key facts

Potential amount of electricity generated: Installed capacity of around 49MW which would provide enough electricity for approximately 18,800 homes each year.
Potential electricity storage: Up to 50 MW
Panel height: Circa 4.5m
Location: North of Todwick Road on the western approach into Dinnington.
Land used by solar panels: Approximately 116 hectares
Current land use: Agriculture
Lifespan: 40 years in operation.
Construction period 6-9 months
Decommissioning: Infrastructure will be removed with the site returned to farm land.
Footpaths/bridleways: No closure or diversions
Connection to electricity grid: Thurcroft substation
Traffic management during construction: Access to the site will be via Long road/Common Road.

Key benefits

Register your interest in Common Farm

Why Solar?

The UK Government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy generation to ensure the country meets its net zero targets and combats climate change. In order to meet these targets and ensure the security of our energy supply, new renewable infrastructure and generating facilities must be developed. By choosing electricity generated from solar technology and providing energy storage facilities, we can help ensure the security of our electricity supply, meet our energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst protecting and promoting local wildlife.

The cost for developing solar technology has significantly reduced in recent years. Solar is now one of the cheapest ways to produce electricity, which should assist in minimising household energy bills.

Benefitting your community

The Penny Hill Wind Farm Community Fund has supported Ulley Sailing Club

We believe that the communities that host our projects should share in the benefits. The Common Farm Solar project would bring a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits. We’d love to hear from you on what these benefits could include.

The Common Farm Solar project will also have a generous community fund which could be worth up to £25,000 every year. Just like the Penny Hill Wind Farm Community Fund, we would work with your community to identify the priorities for the fund.

Your community will have a say in the local projects that should benefit from the funding. Get in touch and let us know how this fund could be used.

Groups in your area who have already benefited include Treeton Community Centre, Swallownest Bowling Club and Ulley Sailing Club.

Biodiversity enhancement

To ensure the solar farm benefits wildlife as well as generating renewable electricity, we are keen to secure a net gain in biodiversity on the site.

The ground beneath the solar panels will allow the creation of a wildflower meadow and increased planting in hedgerows and field boundaries can bring both wildlife and landscaping benefits. Part of the site will be managed for the benefit of lapwing.

We have recently carried out a range of investigations on site to inform the design of the solar farm. We are currently preparing a planning application that will be submitted to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council later this year.

Common Farm Solar