TWO hundred solar panels could be erected to help a farm near Drem reduce its carbon footprint.

A design and access statement for the plans at Graham Miller’s Prora Farm, to the east of the village, has been submitted to East Lothian Council.

Maden Eco Ltd/Eco Wind Ltd are acting as agents for Mr Miller and explained that the solar panels would be laid out in three rows – two rows of 66 and a single row of 68, with a potential protective fence line surrounding the panels.

Currently, the land is used for livestock, with small livestock able to graze under and around the panels if the plans are approved.

The document reads: “The proposed site forms edging to one of the farm’s livestock fields.

“We proposed to install the 200 solar panels upon this site and provide 50kW of green, free energy. This energy will reduce the current carbon footprint of the farm and offset energy costs.” The panels, measuring 1670mm x 1000mm, would be fitted on to a “galvanised steel percussion pile ground mounted system”.

A number of case studies have also been submitted, including looking at similar schemes at Papple Farm, near Garvald, and Hoprig Mains, between Gladsmuir and Longniddry.