Huge Berkshire solar farm to become a reality
Work is expected to start at Barkham later this year
Last updated 3rd Aug 2026
Wokingham Borough Council has confirmed it will proceed with the Barkham Solar Farm.
The project is forecast to deliver over £1 million a year in net income for council services, alongside enough clean, locally generated power for more than 10,500 homes.
The decision follows months of uncertainty after national grid connection reforms paused the project earlier this year. Officers have now secured significantly greater clarity on the connection timetable, and updated financial modelling shows the scheme remains robust even under cautious assumptions about delay.
Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, Executive Member for Finance and Governance, said:
"The Barkham Solar Farm is not just important for our energy security, but will generate significant revenue for the Council which will go directly into protecting vital services."
Cllr Lou Timlin, Executive Member for Climate Emergency, said:
"Barkham Solar Farm is a key project in our Climate Emergency Action Plan. Taking action on climate is more urgent than ever as we experience widespread drought and record breaking heat, which has killed thousands of people across the country this summer.
“Alongside the smaller Mereoak Park & Ride solar project, Barkham will deliver a big increase in clean energy for the borough.”
Subject to final contract sign-off in the coming weeks, construction is expected to begin later this year, with the solar farm targeting grid connection in September 2027.