In big news for the large-scale solar market, independent project developer TGC Renewables has begun work on a 2.9MW solar farm in Devon.
After receiving planning permission and successfully completing a funding round, TGC Renewables is now ploughing ahead with what will be among the largest agricultural solar developments in the South West.
TGC is one of the first solar developers to go ahead with large-scale projects since the feed-in tariff was cut in August 2011. Back then, when incentive rates were dramatically reduced for systems over 50kW, many said the large-scale solar market had been killed. Now, with more than 25MW of solar and wind development on the horizon, TGC proves otherwise.
The Devon-based solar project will feed solar power back to the National Grid, providing a two-fold income from both generation and export tariffs.
Rob Denman, Director, TGC Renewables said: “With the agricultural community under increasing financial and economic pressure, solar and wind installations provide a key mechanism for not just producing regular and sustainable clean energy, but also a valuable and reliable source of income for a 20 or 25 year period. This can provide an element of certainty to the farmer that allows them to employ new people or explore other business opportunities.
“For the UK farming and agricultural community, this opportunity to diversify existing revenue and be part of the UK’s renewables future is very attractive.”
Meanwhile the project’s landowner, Mr Cleave, said: “TGC Renewables has proven itself in working with us by keeping us informed at every stage and giving the project the best chance of success. We chose TGC Renewables based on its strong track record of developing multi-megawatt solar projects in the South West and its 100 percent record in obtaining planning across its sites. The installation will provide us with an additional regular source of income for 25 years and will help us to support our traditional farming and new ventures.”
The total project build time, from breaking ground to connection to the local grid, is expected to be completed within three months.