SolarGridCheck.co.uk

Grid Viability Assessment Tool

Verified UK Solar Developers (2026 Directory)

Connect with fully funded infrastructure funds and utility-scale developers. Our network includes partners actively seeking sites in all DNO regions.

Do not contact developers directly.

Going direct often weakens your negotiating position. Use our Grid Checker to validate your site value before opening discussions.

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Tier 1: Major Infrastructure Funds

Global Renewables Infrastructure

Focus: Solar PV (50MW+)

Region: Nationwide

Verified

Sovereign Energy Partners

Focus: Solar (>100 Acres)

Region: Midlands & North

Verified

European Green Utility

Focus: Solar & Wind

Region: South East

Verified

Pension Infrastructure Platform

Focus: Long-term Lease

Region: Nationwide

Verified

Tier 2: Battery Storage Specialists

Fast Response Storage

Focus: BESS (Stand-alone)

Requirements: Close to Grid

Verified

Network Balancing Ltd

Focus: 2-5 Acre Sites

Requirements: Close to Grid

Verified

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How to Evaluate Solar Farm Developers: 5-Point Checklist

Not all developers are equal. Before signing an option agreement, assess each developer against these criteria to protect your interests over a 25-40 year lease.

1. Funding Source & Financial Stability

Tier 1 developers backed by infrastructure funds, pension schemes, or public utilities have lower project failure rates. Ask for evidence of funding — a development agreement with a named fund, not just "we have investors". If the developer fails mid-project, your land could be tied up for years in legal limbo.

2. Planning Track Record

Request a list of completed UK projects with planning references you can verify on local authority planning portals. A developer with 10+ approved projects demonstrates they can navigate the planning system. Be wary of developers with no UK track record, even if they claim international experience.

3. Lease Terms & Rent Escalation

Typical rates: £800-£1,500/acre/year for solar, with annual RPI increases. Beware of high initial offers with no escalation — £1,200/acre with RPI is worth more than £1,500 fixed over 25 years. Ensure the lease includes a decommissioning bond and clear break clauses.

4. Grid Connection Strategy

The grid connection is often the bottleneck. Ask what grid capacity they've identified for your site, expected connection costs, and their queue position. Developers with existing grid offers or adjacent projects have a significant advantage over those starting from scratch.

5. Option Payment & Exclusivity

Expect £100-£500/acre/year as an option payment during the planning phase. Never grant exclusivity without payment. The option period should be time-limited (2-3 years max) with a clear path to full lease if planning is granted.

Related Resources

Solar Developer FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Look for developers with: 1) Proven track record of completed projects, 2) Secure funding (Tier 1 infrastructure funds or pension-backed), 3) Strong planning success rates, 4) Transparent lease terms and rent escalation, 5) Good references from other landowners. Always get your site assessed independently before negotiations.
Key lease terms to negotiate: rent per acre (£800-£1,500 typical), annual RPI increases, option payment during planning (£100-£500/acre), decommissioning bond, break clauses, and who pays for grid connection. Get independent legal advice before signing any option agreement.
Approaching developers directly often weakens your negotiating position. Developers may lowball if they know you've only spoken to them. Instead, get an independent site assessment first to understand your land's true value, then use that data to create competition between multiple developers.
Watch out for: 1) Pressure to sign quickly, 2) No track record of completed UK projects, 3) Unusually high rent promises, 4) Vague funding arrangements, 5) Requests for exclusivity without option payments, 6) Unwillingness to share planning consultant details or grid connection estimates.
Tier 1 developers (infrastructure funds, pension-backed) have secure long-term funding and proven delivery. Smaller developers may offer higher rents but carry more risk of project failure. For 25-40 year leases, developer financial stability matters as much as initial rent offers.
Typical timeline: 6-12 months for option agreement and surveys, 12-18 months for planning application, 2-3 years for grid connection queue, then 6-12 months construction. Total: 3-5 years from initial contact to operational. Option payments should cover this pre-construction period.