The Kings Hill Solar farm project was one of two solar farms which benefitted from funding through a £20 million grant from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and will be operated by LASER Energy on behalf of KCC.

The 11.9-acre site is a temporary structure that will be completely removed after 30 years with no long-term imprint on the land. The farm will offset 621 tonnes of carbon per year, contributing significantly to KCC’s Net Zero by 2030 target.

It is set to provide an ongoing annual revenue estimated at over £13 million over the lifetime of the farm, covering all the ongoing running costs while reducing the council’s electricity costs.

While building the site, all trees that were removed to provide space for the solar panels have been replanted and a wildflower meadow bank has been added, along with bat and bird boxes and shelter areas for animals in winter.

The site has seen a net biodiversity improvement and is a wildlife haven with slow worms and lizards seen frequently, a variety of birds and flowers have been recorded and the site is grazed by sheep.

Rob Thomas, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “It is essential that KCC leads by example when working towards a greener Kent. We have committed ourselves to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all areas of business so we reach our target of Net Zero by 2030, as set out in the council’s Framing Kent’s Future strategy.

“I am proud to be opening our second solar farm and our first in Kent, Kings Hill. Solar farms play a crucial role in the transition towards a flourishing green economy.

“I hope this inspires our partners to work together towards carbon zero energy production so we can ensure that Kent as a whole is Net Zero by 2050.”

Nigel Hartnup, Director of Energy and Carbon at LASER Energy, said: “LASER is pleased to work with Kent County Council and other partners on the delivery and ongoing running of Kings Hill Solar Park. This is a key project in Kent County Council’s decarbonisation plans, self-supplying green energy equivalent to 8% of the Council’s corporate and highways electricity requirements and helps to offset high energy prices we continue to experience in the UK.”

Rob Murphy, Sales & Origination Director at SAS Energy, EDF Renewables’ C&I solar division, said: “As a Kent-based business, it is great to see Kent County Council leading the way with this initiative, demonstrating the need for solar if we are to reduce the impacts of climate change. It was an amazing experience working with them and our partners to create and implement this 3MW solar project, that not only benefits the environment but also the local community and biodiversity on the site. These projects are a top priority for us as we are committed to assisting local authorities throughout the UK in their journey to achieve net zero.”

In 2019, KCC declared a climate emergency and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from council estate and activities to reach the target of Net Zero by 2030. Find out more about KCC's environment commitments.