Event Report: Tour of Tangmere Solar Farm

On a sunny October morning, delegates met for a tour of Tangmere Solar Farm, organised by the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC as part of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform events programme.

The 25 acre solar farm was developed by Your Energy Sussex, a partnership between West Sussex County Council and Carillion and built by Arun Construction Services in just 3 months!

After taking in the view of the 18,000 solar photovoltaic panels – which generate enough electricity to power 1,500 homes a year, preventing 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions – delegates split into two groups, one led by Keith Martin and Wegner Oeder from Carillion and one by Kevin Keiley from Arun Construction Services.

Our guides explained how the site was identified and designed to maximise efficiency. It was built on low-grade land, an ex-afield that had then been used for fire and rescue vehicle practice. Concrete removed from site during construction has been used to create new habitats for lizards and other local wildlife in a neighbouring copse.

Detailed surveys were undertaken identifying unknown pipework and a soak-away where panels could not be placed. A new mounting system was used – a first for the UK – where panels slide up from the bottom, making them safer and quicker to install.

Weather monitoring is installed, panels perform best during bright crisp weather with lots of sunshine and cool temperatures (the bright autumn morning presented perfect solar farm conditions). The performance of each section of each panel can also be monitored remotely.

Sheep graze between the panels, naturally managing the grass and weeds. Cows and two emus roam in the adjacent field!

The solar farm was a £5.2 million investment for the County Council. From the sale of the electricity and government incentives however, it should pay for itself in less than 10 years and earn £10.8 million over 20 years.

They are now investigating developing a second solar farm on an old landfill site near Chichester.

 

Upcoming Green Growth Platform events…

Join us for a Gatwick Diamond Green Business Showcase with case study speakers including Denbies Wine Estate, Tek Express, the Hilton Hotel and Softech Global.

Free to attend, Tuesday 1st November, 16:30 to 18:30, Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel.