Plans unveiled for major new solar farm above Port Talbot
A project big enough to light up a town
Qualitas Energy says the solar farm would generate up to 40 megawatts of electricity – enough for around 10,770 homes.
The consultation runs until 24 October, with details online at porttalbotsolar.wales. Two public drop‑in events are planned:
- Thursday 16 October, 11am–2pm at Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot
- Thursday 23 October, 3pm–7pm at Margam Community Centre
Why Margam Mountain has been chosen
The site sits high on Margam Mountain, east of the M4 and north of Margam Country Park. Developers say it is well suited because it already has a grid connection on site, meaning the project could plug straight in without the need for new pylons or overhead lines.
It also lies next to the Mynydd Brombil Wind Farm, a four‑turbine scheme generating around 14MW. Qualitas Energy argues that clustering renewable projects where grid capacity already exists makes sense.
The plateau is largely hidden from view by mature woodland, and the land is not classed as prime farmland. Sheep would continue to graze between the panels, while new planting and habitat creation are promised to boost biodiversity.
Map showing the proposed Port Talbot solar farm site on Margam Mountain, alongside the existing Mynydd Brombil Wind Farm and the forestry access track from the B4282.Protecting heritage while building for the future
The site falls within the Margam Mountain Historic Landscape, close to listed buildings and scheduled monuments. The company says it will look at repairing old walls, replanting hedgerows and installing information boards to explain the area’s wartime radar station, aiming to show that heritage and renewable energy can sit side by side.
Traffic worries on local roads
One of the biggest concerns for residents is likely to be construction traffic, particularly through the village of Bryn. Qualitas Energy says it will consult on haul routes and timings and prepare a Construction Traffic Management Plan to reduce disruption.
Once the solar farm is up and running, traffic would be minimal – just a couple of van visits each month for maintenance.
How the plans will be decided
The application will be submitted under the Town and Country Planning Act, meaning the decision will rest with Neath Port Talbot Council. This consultation is the first step, with a more detailed Pre‑Application Consultation expected in 2026 before a full planning application is lodged.
A developer with other major Welsh schemes
Qualitas Energy is already behind another large solar proposal in Carmarthenshire. The company is currently consulting on the Heol Ddu Solar Farm, a 90.5‑hectare development on farmland east of Ferryside, around 4km north of Kidwelly.
That scheme, like the Port Talbot plans, would generate up to 40MW of renewable electricity – enough to power around 10,770 homes. Developers say it could meet the combined needs of communities including Kidwelly, St Ishmael, Trimsaran, St Clears and Carmarthen.
The fact that both projects are designed to deliver the same scale of output underlines the size of the Port Talbot proposal, and shows how South West Wales is becoming a focus for large‑scale solar development.
A wider debate across South Wales
The Port Talbot scheme is the latest in a series of solar projects across the region. In Bynea, Carmarthenshire, campaigners are fighting a 120‑acre proposal they say would damage farmland and a wellbeing sanctuary. In Swansea, the council is backing a solar farm expansion on the former Tir John landfill site, which could become nationally significant.
These examples show how solar power divides opinion – seen by some as vital for tackling climate change, and by others as a threat to landscapes and communities.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Petition launched against 120‑acre solar farm plan for Bynea
Campaigners in Carmarthenshire oppose a large solar scheme, warning of its impact on farmland and a wellbeing sanctuary.
Solar farm expansion on former landfill site could create nationally significant facility
Swansea Council backs plans to expand a solar farm on the Tir John landfill site, potentially generating power for thousands of homes.
HDM Solar opens new Port Talbot branch bringing green jobs and investment
Solar manufacturer HDM expands into Baglan Energy Park, creating jobs and boosting South Wales’ renewable energy sector.
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