In the past week, two solar farms have been given the green light in the region - an $8-million development on the outskirts of Tamworth's industrial precinct and the $94-million Orange Grove Solar Farm near Gunnedah.

The NSW Farmers have called for a more stringent oversight of planning approvals, and better compliance and enforcement with respect to the development of large-scale solar on agricultural lands.

The organisation's vice president Chris Groves said farmers were uncertain about the implications of large-scale solar operations on neighbouring properties.

"This industry is still new in Australia and there are some scenarios that haven't played out yet, particularly around fires and insurance," Mr Groves said.

"It's important that the assessments process for state significant renewable projects adequately considers the impacts on agriculture."

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The NSW government has recognised the potential of large sections of the state's regional areas to become renewable energy zones, and with ample space and sunlight, more and more solar farms are being put forward.

"Given the upcoming retirement of significant coal power generation, in combination with the creation of these renewable zones, there will be an exponential increase in large-scale solar proposals on agricultural lands," Mr Groves said.

"This will be a significant change to the rural landscape and to rural communities. As such the concerns and impacts on rural communities and neighbours must be given greater attention and be addressed as a part of the planning process.

"NSW Farmers strongly believes in property rights and the right to farm. Our members have clearly stated that large-scale projects are not incompatible with rural communities, and it is up to the individual landowners as to what happens with their land."

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