Glastonbury install biggest private solar-power plant in the UK
Worthy Farm in Somerset is best known for being the home of the world famous Glastonbury Festival, but now it has added another string to its bow as it boasts the largest privately owned solar power station in the UK.
More than 1,100 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the “Mootel” cowshed can generate enough power for 80% of the farm’s electricity demand and export excess to the grid. Saving more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime, the system is part of the Festival’s environmental commitment to Love The Farm – Leave No Trace.
Glastonbury festival founder Michael Eavis said: “With the energy crisis we had to do something seriously major as we see ourselves as green campaigners.” And this is something he has wanted to do for some time.
He said he was then waiting for a feasible opportunity to install solar panels. That came about when the government introduced a feed-in tariff scheme, which rewards people for generating solar power.
After an initial investment of nearly £600,000, it is hoped the farm will make £45,000 each year. Mr Eavis said: “It will take me 12 years to get my money back and I’m getting on a bit as you can see so I will have to live long enough to make a profit out of this scheme.”
After explaining the benefits of the panels – “there’s no moving parts, there’s no smell, there’s no noise… it’s a very graceful thing” – the 75-year-old said the only downside was he had to make sure he stayed alive to see the benefit.
Technical specifications
Power output: 200.88 kilowatts peak (kWp)
Modules: 1,116 Romag modules
Inverters: Sputnik SolarMax
Inclination and orientation: Inclination 5°, faces south
Expected annual yield: 160,700 kilowatt hours (kWh)
Lifetime carbon dioxide saving: More than 2,000 tonnes
Area of solar PV array: 1,500 square metres
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