RES has connected its first solar farm in the UK, a 7.2MW site in Truro, Cornwall.
The project represents the renewable energy giant’s first foray into the UK utility-scale PV market and is located next to the company’s Four Burrows Wind Farm.
The 14-hectare site was connected to the grid on 12 January after EPC contractor Oskomera completed the build in six months.
Commenting on the company’s move into the solar space, RES’ head of UK solar, Tom Fewster said: “Four Burrows Solar Farm is a significant achievement for RES. Not only is this our first solar farm in the UK, it is also the first location where we have successfully combined onshore wind and solar technologies to create a ‘Renewables Hub’.”
The company claims that its Cornish solar farm is the first in a number of solar projects which will include pure PV as well as PV/wind projects.
Fewster added: “As a responsible developer, RES is constantly seeking ways to maximise renewable energy generation while minimising impacts on the environment and communities hosting our projects. Where it proves practical, co-locating renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar – and in the near future, energy storage facilities – on a single site makes a lot of sense. It maximises the use of land earmarked for energy generation and can deliver cost and environmental benefits by sharing aspects such as access tracks and grid connections.”
RES confirmed that it will asset manage the 7.2MW site, while Oskomera provide operation and maintenance services.