The Harbour Farm Solar farm

INCREASING DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY

National Grid expects that peak demand for electricity will significantly increase with additional demands from businesses, homes and the switch from petrol to electric vehicles.

The solar panels would generate up to 42 MW of electricity.  That electricity generated each year would be equivalent to the electricity demand of approximately 13,500 average UK homes. It will offset 23,000 metric tonnes of CO2 each year.

The electricity generated at source will connect 250m from the site to the local electricity network. There is no battery storage proposed on site.

SOLAR PANELS

The solar farm would comprise:

  • Solar modules installed on a simple metal framework mounted on piles driven into the ground. The panels will be south facing.

  • The metal frames and piles are temporary structures and can be removed once the site is decommissioned in the future.

  • The panels would have a maximum height of up to 3.3 m (existing ground levels would be unaltered).

  • Associated infrastructure required to generate and supply electricity, including inverters, underground cables, transformers and switchgears.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND

Grupotec would like to give back to the community and their proposal includes a Community Benefit Fund to support local projects.

As part of the public consultation process, Grupotec would like to hear ideas from the community for possible projects that could receive funding.

The Community Benefit Fund will generate £500 per megawatt. On other solar farms that Grupotec have built, their community benefit fund has gone towards community centres, local sports teams and community transport.

BENEFITS

The solar farm will deliver important benefits, such as:

  • The Community Benefit Fund has not yet been set-up; Grupotec will engage with local bodies, such as parish councils, to understand how it should be managed and operated.

  • Provide a source of renewable, green and home-grown energy that can power around 13,500 homes a year.

  • Large saving in CO2 that would otherwise pollute the atmosphere, helping meet UK and international targets.

  • Substantial increases in biodiversity to enhance local wildlife, way above planning requirements.

  • Allow farming to continue within the site boundaries, with sheep-grazing among the solar panels.

  • Allowing the land to recover from intensive farming.