Work to erect a South Cumbrian solar farm – operated by Westmorland and Furness Council – has been completed.
The 2MW solar farm at Sandscale Park in Barrow is a first for the authority, which it said was a ‘key milestone’ in its ongoing efforts to combat climate change and meet net zero targets.
Thanks to almost 3,700 solar panels, the site is expected to save around 507 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually and generate enough to power the council’s five leisure centres or around 730 homes a year.
The farm, which took six months to erect, will generate green electricity to offset the council’s carbon emissions. It is the first of more schemes to come as part of the council’s wider decarbonisation programme of work, it said.
The scheme was delivered in collaboration with the council’s strategic partner Electricity North West, main contractor Vital Energi, and specialist advisors Green Cat Renewables. The site is now connected to the national grid and generating electricity.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for highways, assets and ICT, said: “Sandscale Park solar farm is an example of us using our assets in an innovative way to meet a serious challenge.
“The rise in energy costs is affecting us all, and by establishing this site we’re now able to generate our own energy and ensure security for the future, which can only be a positive thing.
“Huge thanks to the teams and partners involved for their support and expertise in making this vision a reality. Their contribution has been vital to the successful delivery of this ambitious project, and we look forward to seeing the long-term benefits this solar farm will bring to both the environment and Westmorland and Furness.”
