A community information evening to discuss a proposed solar farm at Crapnell Farm near Wells and Shepton Mallet was held on Monday.
The evening was hosted by the developer, Lightsource Renewable Energy. Representatives were on hand to answer questions from members of the public.
The 5.4 megawatt solar farm would cover 16 hectares of farmland near East Horrington and would be surrounded by a two metre high security fence. If the planning application is successful Lightsource will rent the land from Crapnell Farm under a 25-year agreement.
Conor McGuigan, business development director for Lightsource said: "Open channels of communication with the local community enable us to refine our proposals and address concerns prior to submitting a formal planning application.
"We have dispatched documentation to more than 70 residents and we are making every attempt to make our proposals known to the community."
Only 12 residents came to the information evening which was held between 5pm and 8pm on Monday.
Concerns about HGV traffic to and from the site were raised. It was pointed out that sections of the proposed HGV route were unsuitable for heavy traffic. Access to the site would be from Chilcote Lane.
A Chilcote couple Mr and Mrs Richardson said their "rural backwater" would become more industrial but accepted it as inevitable. They said farmers were struggling and had been told to diversify, "it's the new way of farming".
Pablo Foster of East Horrington said: "It would be better to equip each home with 10 solar panels. Home owners would get an income in addition to help with their fuel bills."
Mr Foster added: "It is such a big area to cover with glass. They say the animals will be able to graze underneath but I don't know what impact there will be. However, I think solar panels are far less harmful than wind turbines. I have an open mind about solar. You can now get solar panels that look like roof tiles."
Lightsource consider Crapnell Farm as suitable because of the gentle slope and benefits from proximity to a viable grid connection plus good screening by existing mature vegetation. Additional screening could be considered.
A representative from the Dinder Estate Trust said: "Solar energy is something the trustees of the Dinder Estate wish to support but only in the right place.
"The farmers whose land will be used have been involved in the consultation process since the start. The estate has carefully considered the effects on people living locally, and every effort will be made to minimise any impact of this low lying installation."
