Renewable energies continue to have more acceptance and less opposition. Solar energy, at least in the UK, seems to continue to increase in popularity. According to research published by Copper Consultancy, over 42% of people living near an existing, proposed or under-construction solar farm strongly support the sector’s development.

In contrast, the study found that less than 1% said they were strongly opposed. 94% had either supportive or at least neutral attitudes to the sector. Local solar farms have also become more popular over time, the report says.

More specifically, the study finds that those living in the development phase of solar are markedly more hesitant to support solar, with only 17% in strong support. By comparison, once sites are in operation the percentage of those in strong support jumps to 61.5%.

"This tells us the uncertainty of development naturally leads to doubts, and this phase is where reassurance must be strongest. As the UK solar portfolio is built out, it will also be key that developers act responsibly, and the environmental benefits from solar are realised. This will ensure tangible examples exist of the opportunities commercial-scale solar provides are visible on a local level," the report says.

According to Copper Consultancy, despite the industry view recognising rockier moments in solar development throughout 2022, including being a key campaign point during the Conservative Party leadership campaign, public support has not only carried through but remains strong.

“It is clear that attacking solar farms is far from the vote winner some politicians might think it is, so Rishi Sunak’s administration is wise to be far more positive about them than his predecessor’s,” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of the trade association Solar Energy UK. “It is only a tiny, if vocal, minority that has given some politicians the impression that solar farms are unpopular,” he added.

Sam Cranston, Director of Energy Infrastructure at Copper Consultancy who commissioned the research added: “Since our first solar attitudes research in 2022 we have seen a growth in the number of large scale solar schemes entering the planning system. While we can expect to see public attitudes shift, this report finds refreshing continuity in public support for solar, alongside tracking what matters most to people and where knowledge gaps still need to be bridged. Building on our earlier research, we have sought to shine a light on how public attitudes shift throughout the development cycle, showing that support for schemes grows once solar farms are in operation.”