Solar Energy Developers Set Sights on Cornwall

Date: 02.12.2010

Interest in Cornwall for potential solar energy farms continues to heat up, as developers begin to consult with planning officials and the public.

On Tuesday, developer Solar Securities public held a public information session concerning their purposed solar energy farm at Lower Bodiniel Farm, on the outskirts of Bodmin.  The farm will use solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, to silently convert sunlight into electricity and generate a maximum of 5 megawatts (MW) of power, enough to supply approximately 1,000 homes.

Nick Richardson, its director, told Business Cornwall: "Discussing our plans with people living close to the proposed site is important to us and provides an opportunity to collect comment and concerns so we can ensure the solar farm integrates well into the local area."

London-based Low Carbon Solar Partners (LCSP) is another of the latest prospective developers to meet with Cornwall Council planners, in the 'solar energy gold rush'.

LCSP, which manages the £260 million Low Carbon Accelerator AIM-listed pension fund, wants to invest and develop 22 solar energy projects around Cornwall, in a combination of solar "meadow" developments, roof-space lease and community-funded projects.

It says that Cornwall Council's clear planning guidance for solar developers has created an attractive proposition for major city investors.

LCSP is working in partnership with Energy for All to support community-funded solar programmes in Cornwall. It is currently in discussion to launch one such parish project, in Newlyn East.

The company is seeking big commercial premises with roof space of 10,000sqft or more, on which to install photovoltaics. Owners would benefit from reduced energy bills and an annual rent of around £1000.

LCSP is also implementing a training scheme available to 50 Westcountry contractors wishing to upgrade their skills. It is seeking electrical engineers wishing to acquire solar-ready DC skills, plus roofers and ground workers.

It has launched a 'learning by doing programme' in partnership with German solar giant Colexon and will fly candidates to Germany to undergo site-based training.

LCSP's founder Mark Shorrock told Southwest Business: "We've only have six months to train people up, so when we start our solar developments, we can begin with local labour. We'd like to train an initial 50, who can then down-train further local workers." 

For more information regarding contractor training opportunities contact markwells@lowcarbonsolar.com

For information regarding opportunities for Cornish businesses in the 'solar gold rush' please click here.