Aberdeen-based developer BWE Partnership has revealed that it is set to start construction on what it claims is one of Scotland’s largest solar developments, a 9.5MW solar farm in Arbroath.

The project will sit across 20-hectares of land on a farm in Carmyllie and is predicted to generate enough electricity to power 6,670 homes. BWE Partnership has secured a grid connection for the project from Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution and expects the solar farm to be connected to the grid in early 2015.  

Commenting on the project, BWE Partnership’s owner, Ron Shanks said: “This is an exciting time for BWE Partnership as we enter the construction stage of delivering what we believe is Scotland’s first large commercial solar park.

“This site was selected because of its excellent levels of irradiance which is vital to the effectiveness of a solar park as this powers the entire project.

“Scotland continues to build a strong reputation in the renewable energy sector and the build of this solar park will represent a significant step forward. We hope solar in Scotland will help to compliment onshore wind in providing renewable energy for our country and look forward to this project coming to fruition.”

Earlier this year it emerged that Scotland installed 32% more solar in 2014 than 2013, with solar at all scales beginning to gain traction. In response to the growth of Scottish solar large PV companies such as Lightsource have established offices in Scotland, with the Solar Trade Association also launching a Scottish division of the trade association.

Kevin Jackson, partner of the family farm which is set to host the 9.5MW project said: “This agreement with BWE Partnership will allow us to maximise income generation from our land without hindering day-to-day activities. I’m looking forward to seeing the solar park installed and operating.”

BWE Partnership adds that it is actively looking to develop more solar farms in Scotland depending on irradiance levels, grid connection and the likelihood of winning planning permission. In particular, the company says it is targeting sites in the east of Scotland.