Living on the Energy Coast

Two new solar farms have been proposed in the strip between the Lakes National Park and the sea in the last 6 months. 
I cycled to the Community Q&A day to find out more about the nearest one, Lostrigg Solar farm.
As with all development on this tiny and populous island there are pros and cons. it is true that the landscape here is not as dramatic as the NP but it has its own coastal charm, wolds rather than hills and unsurpassed views to the Lakes fells in one direction and the Scottish high lands over the Solway.
The proposed site is just some arable fields bordering the A 595 but they are green and open so covering them with panels will not enhance the look of the environment.
On the other hand solar power is probably the 'greenest' energy option with most componants of the panels being recyclable. Certainly, they are far preferable to the recently dropped plans to re-open a coal mine at Whitehaven. And Sellafield with its huge nuclear/radiation waste disposal problems.
The land still belongs to the farmer with the solar firm as a tenant. The life of the development is 40 years, when the panels will have reached their span. Re-instatement to fields at that point. During the 40 years grass/wildflower meadow is planned with possibly sheep grazing. The Lostrigg beck that runs through will be the focus of environmental mitigation for wildlife - a better corridor with more trees and wider riparine edge for animals hopefully. 
Community funding seems a bit sparse especially over such a long project lifetime.
And of course it is always difficult to know how much energy will actually be produced with Northern cloud cover and short winter daylight hours.