Manchester-based solar developer, Green Energy UK Direct Ltd, is investigating the suitability of a 10MW solar park in Canterbury, Kent.
The company has applied to Canterbury Council for a formal screening opinion as to whether the development is an EIA Development. The proposed plans will see 20 hectares of land at Nackington Farm turned into a 10MW solar park. Currently the agricultural land is used for wheat production.
In order to eliminate damage and destruction to existing hedgerows and trees on site, Green Energy UK Direct is proposing to keep a buffer zone between the hedgerows and the solar panels. To secure the site, the company is proposing the installation of a 2 metre high security fence around the solar park complete with CCTV cameras.
The planned solar park will be developed under the new, lower Renewable Obligation (RO) rate of 1.6ROCs. Despite the reduction in RO rate, the large-scale market in the UK appears to continuing its strong growth that saw the UK install over 0.5GW of capacity in just four months. Solar Media is hosting a Large Scale Solar UK conference on 25 April which will explore the many challenges and opportunities facing large-scale solar development in the UK. Details about the conference can be viewed here.