Homes across Fife could soon be powered by the sun, as renewable energy firms look to the region to harness solar power.
In recent weeks tentative inquiries have been made with Fife Council about several potential locations for solar farms. Among them are sites near Crail, Cameron, Tayport and Wormit.
At both Crail and Cameron, early plans show that solar farms could be created with up 22,000 panels each farm capable of powering 1,650 homes.
The firms have yet to submit planning applications but have made pre-application requests for guidance on environmental assessment.
AAH Planning Consultants, which submitted the Crail and Cameron proposals, states that panels at Sypsies and south of Cameron Reservoir would produce “significant sustainable and economic benefits”.
Green Hedge Renewables is interested in land south of Kilmany Road in Wormit.
Its head of planning, Roland Billington, said better and cheaper technology, capacity in the grid north of the border and proximity to the coast made Fife a viable option for solar energy generation.
He said: “Irradiance levels in Scotland are similar to southern areas of the UK, especially near the coastal regions.
“Wind energy is the main player in renewables in Scotland but there is still capacity for solar farm developers.”
Towns and villages near where solar farms are created could benefit financially, he said.
“We at Green Hedge Renewables promote community benefits, which is a financial contribution to the local community based on the power output over 25 years.”
Fife Council community, developments and investment service manager Alastair Hamilton said: “The recent submission of pre-application requests for solar farms are indicative of the continuing development of new forms of alternative energy generation.
“Any pre-applications for new developments received by Fife Council will be subject to a full assessment. This will determine areas such as visual, environmental and residential impacts which need to be considered through the full planning process. Any subsequent planning applications received will be subject to consultation and publicity processes.”
Solar parks have already been created elsewhere in Scotland and Perth and Kinross councillors will today decide on a giant solar farm that has divided opinion.
There are concerns about the loss of agricultural land and that the 70,000 panels proposed in Path of Condie will damage tourism, but planning officers have recommended approval.