Village looking to go net-zero could build solar farm

A village’s bid to be more sustainable could see the installation of more than 400 solar panels in an unused orchard.

Crowle’s aim of becoming a net-zero village saw the creation of a community energy company – Crowle Community Energy (CCE) – last year.

Plans have now been unveiled to install a 249kWp solar farm at Fircone Farm.

CCE, formed from a collaboration between Crowle Parish Council and energy management firm Savi, is now a separate entity from the council and would be responsible for operating the solar farm.

According to proposals submitted to Wychavon District Council, the panels would be placed on a one-acre plot “that is currently a non-productive, immature apple orchard”.

The plans say this location “has been selected to ensure minimal disruption to active agricultural areas” and that mature apple trees will remain in place around the perimeter of the site.

“The proposed solar farm will consist of 424 (no.) 590W solar PV modules, mounted on a Sunfixings ground anchor system tailored for this site’s topography and ground conditions,” CCE says in a planning statement.

“The panels will be mounted in a double portrait orientation, arranged in four rows of 106 solar PV modules.

“Unlike conventional solar farms aligned to face 180 degrees south, this installation’s orientation has been slightly adjusted to minimise visual impact.

“The PV arrays have been designed to align with the existing apple trees around the perimeter, blending with the orchard’s natural layout and reducing visibility from the bridle path to the west of the proposed development.”

Plans for the solar farm were presented to villagers at a public exhibition at Crowle Parish Hall in October.

“Following the presentation, attendees were invited to complete a questionnaire from which it is recorded that Crowle community overwhelmingly supports the proposal for a community solar energy initiative,” the planning statement states.

Steve Bott, one of the founders of CCE, said the company is now registered as a Community Benefit Society – a business with a social purpose and community at its heart.

Energy will be sold to residents and all profits will be reinvested back into the community.

Mr Bott said CCE is also looking for volunteers “to help us get everything set up and make plans for future schemes that will benefit our community even further”.

Anyone interested can email sb@crowlecommunityenergy.org