New Forest Solar Farm Creates Model For Sustainable Farming
Power is now on at one of the UK's largest solar installations - a 5MWp solar farm in the New Forest.
"With this groundbreaking project we are creating a viable model for sustainable farming, which is vital for the very future of the industry," commented Adrian Pike, CEO of Anesco who designed and managed the project.
"We always viewed the government cuts to the solar tariffs as the right thing to do for the sustainable future of the dollar industry. Solar, along with the other technologies we deploy, are all key to creating a sustainable and mixed generation capacity for the UK, which is vital as we tackle the need to reduce carbon emissions," he added.
The 5MWp solar farm spans over 30 acres within the Cadland Estate. It is made of almost 18,000 solar PV panels, mounted on nine kilometres of frames and using 5,000 groundscrews. The result has seen the creation of a solar scheme that is capable of generating enough electricity to power 1,000 homes and a model for sustainable farming that uses a blend of energy efficiency measures.
Adrian added: "Germany has already proven that a generation mix can work and we are now setting a precedent for other operators and landowners who may be considering investing in more sustainable ways of working.
"The site at Cadland blends different energy efficiency technologies together to bring the greatest benefit. It is not only helping to reduce emissions but is generating green energy, while creating jobs and long term revenue streams."
Energy generated by the solar PV system is being fed back into the national grid under the Government's Feed in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which makes payments for energy produced through renewable sources. Owner of the Cadland Estate, Aldred Drummond, who commissioned the build said: "Through this project we are creating a road map for sustainable farming and demonstrating how the industry can effectively use a combination of innovative technologies and new ways of working.
"Despite extremely challenging weather conditions the project was completed by Anesco safely, efficiently and in record time."
The Cadland Solar Farm project has been designed and managed by leading energy efficiency solutions company, Anesco, working with exclusive supply partner Trina Solar and groundscrew installer JPCS. It has been backed by SSE, the UK's largest generator of renewable energy.
The project is the latest to be completed by Anesco, with the firm on target to hit £100 million turnover in 2014 as demand for its services continue to rise.
