Accelerating Solar Developments in Hampshire

Building a replicable, collaborative approach to new large scale solar development approvals across Hampshire

A one-day forum bringing together solar developers, local authority planners, grid operators and communities to build the relationships and shared knowledge that get large scale solar projects built.

About the event

Getting a large scale solar project (1MW+) built takes time.

The planning process alone can take over two years, often with multiple applications and appeals and that's before grid connection, construction and commissioning.

The Solar Roadmap 2025 was clear on why: grid connections that delay or derail projects, planning systems under serious strain, and community engagement that too often happens too late.

Accelerating Solar Developments will bring the right people together, before applications are submitted, to build the relationships, share local knowledge, and have the conversations that make the difference between a project that stalls and one that succeeds.

What to expect

The day combines keynote speakers, real-world case studies and a structured cross-stakeholder planning exercise. Sessions will cover:

• the Winchester Local Area Energy Plan,

• grid connections reform,

• a planning officer's perspective on what drives applications forward,

• community engagement in practice,

• and a hands-on group exercise applying the day's learning to real Hampshire challenges.

Lunch and refreshments are included with your ticket.

Who should attend

This event is for solar developers, local planning authority officers, local authority members and senior officers, community groups, and policymakers working on energy and planning. Our programme is rooted in Winchester district, but the insights and discussions will resonate widely, so we welcome attendees from anywhere.

Organiser

Accelerating Solar Developments is hosted by Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC), a registered charity working to support the transition to clean energy across the Winchester district. 

[Registered charity no. 1150754. Company no. 08013043]

Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellations before 22 September 2026 will receive a full refund, minus a £5 administration fee. Cancellations between 22 September and 6 October 2026 will receive a 50% refund, minus a £5 administration fee. After 6 October 2026 we are unable to offer a refund, as costs will have been committed on your behalf. Tickets may be transferred to a colleague at any time at no extra charge. Please contact us to arrange this. In the unlikely event that we need to cancel the conference due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be issued to all ticket holders. As a charity, we appreciate your understanding that late cancellations impact our ability to deliver this event. If you have any questions about your booking, please get in touch at contactus@winacc.org.uk