PV

A Gloucestershire-based farmer is now able to reduce annual energy bills having installed a 50kWp system at Poulton Court Farm.

Strutwood Farm in Surrey approached Myriad CEG about the possibility of installing solar PV on its agricultural buildings to help reduce the farm’s carbon footprint but also, more significantly, protect the farm from spiralling utility costs.

Nottinghamshire-based arable farmers, J Bealby and Sons, have a higher electricity expenditure than most as they are required to run a grain dryer to keep its crops in ideal condition so that they achieve the best prices at market.

Connecting a solar power system to the grid involves an application process with the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO). In the past, domestic systems under 4kWp have required no pre-approval from the DNO and permission granted after the installation without incident.

A 19th Century church, built to celebrate the British victory at the Battle of Waterloo is now generating its own electricity thanks to the installation of solar panels.

Penzance-based Plug into the Sun has completed a 10kWp roof-integrated solar project on the newly-built Five Islands School on St Agnes Island, adding to the company’s Isles of Scilly portfolio.

Since the announcement that there are yet more feed-in tariff cuts on the horizon, many solar companies are being approached by farmers who are keen to install 50kW of solar PV on 1/4acre of land or a barn roof before the rates are reduced on July 1.

The Michael Hall School in East Sussex has reinforced its strong eco-values by installing a 30kWp solar PV installation.

Despite this year’s uncertainty around the feed-in tariff cuts, the number of solar module installations on British buildings continues to rise. Whilst this is undoubtedly a positive sign for the industry, an absence of UK or European standards means that consumers need to take more care with the installation and maintenance of these modules to ensure the safety and return on investment (ROI) of the product. One particular concern being discussed most frequently is the fire risks posed by solar installations.

Housing association Havebury has embraced solar technology, installing solar panels at two if its sheltered accommodation schemes, as well as the company’s own headquarters.