RESIDENTS will be able to have their say on solar power today, at a consultation event for a solar farm near Stanton Fitzwarren.

Global solar power developer SunEdison is proposing a solar farm on fields at Beech Farm, southeast of the village, and wants to get feedback from local residents.

The farm would have an installed capacity of 4.9 megawatts, able to power 1,050 houses per year during a 20 to 30-year lifespan.

SunEdison selected the site because it is well-screened and is on lower grade agricultural land. The land will serve a dual purpose as a source of renewable energy and as farmland for sheep to graze.

The event is an opportunity for neighbouring residents to question the developer, meet the project team and view the proposals in more detail.

SunEdison’s solar farm is another step in Wiltshire’s approach to renewable energy – with recent research by the Solar Trade Association showing the county is among the leaders in the UK adopting solar power - outranking London for the fastest growing number of solar panel installations.

Councillor Mark Dempsey (Labour, Walcot and Park North) has praised the arrival of a Solar Swindon, which he believes could pave the way for further green energy strategies.

“Solar energy can help provide a stable source of energy for businesses and a ‘Solar Swindon’ creates a positive image for Swindon and help attract new businesses to our town,” he said.

“In short, this is an opportunity with long-term economic security as the prize.’’

The event will be held from 3.30pm at Stanton Fitzwarren Village Hall in Trenchard Road.