News

STA members gear up for Solar Independence Day

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Several members of the Solar Trade Association will open up their solar farms to visitors from local homes, schools, businesses and community groups across England and Wales on 4th July as part of a nationwide event called Solar Independence Day.

The event seeks to give visitors the opportunity to ask any questions they have about solar energy to the people building the projects.

The event forms part of an educational push by the STA to communicate the tremendous benefits of all applications of solar, and the need for better and more stable policy support.

STA Chief Executive Paul Barwell said: “There’s a really positive story to be told about how benign, unobtrusive solar farms are quietly reducing our carbon emissions, boosting local biodiversity, helping farmers diversify their income, creating jobs and enhancing the UK’s energy security. We need to tell this story to counter the bad news stories resulting from a tiny minority of poor quality projects seized on gleefully by some newspapers and politicians.

“With 85 percent support, solar consistently enjoys the highest public opinion rating of any energy technology. We’re working hard to maintain that level of support. This means commitment to good quality while continuing to invest to bring down costs for everyone. Despite current uncertainty in central government policy, we remain committed to leading the renewable energy sector to price parity with fossil electricity as soon as possible.”

The STA is inviting everyone with an interest in solar to come along to these free open day events, from members of the media to local residents, schools, businesses and community groups.

To to register to visit your local solar farm on Solar Independence Day, please visit: www.solar-trade.org.uk/solarIndependanceDay.cfm

East Midlands
o   Hollies Solar Farm, Skegness, Lincolnshire
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy & Juwi

o   Ketton Solar Farm, Hanson Cement Works, Rutland
Managed by Lark Energy

o   Marston Solar Farm, Grantham, Nottingham
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy

o   Wymeswold Solar Farm, Prestwold
Owned by Lark Energy

  • East of England

o   Burntstalks Solar Farm,  Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy

o   Chediston Solar Farm, Bonners Farm, Mull Road, Wissett, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 0RA
Owned by Lightsource Renewable Energy

o   Chittering Solar Farm, Chittering, Cambridge
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy

o   Haslingfield Solar Farm, Cambridge
Managed by BELECTRIC

  • South East

o   Dunsfold Solar Farm, Cranleigh, Surrey
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy

o   Hill Farm Solar Farm, Sandown, Isle of Wight
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy

o   Tavells Solar Farm, Marchwood, Hampshire
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy

  • South West

o   Marley Thatch Solar Farm, South Brent, Devon
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy

o   Wadebridge Solar Farm, Cornwall
Managed by BELECTRIC

o   Wheal Jane Solar Farm, Truro, Cornwall
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy

o   Wyld Meadow Solar Farm, Near Bridport, Dorset
Managed by British Solar Renewables

o   Willersey Solar Farm, Gloucestershire
Managed by BELECTRIC

  • Wales

o   Ffos Las Solar Farm, Ffos Las Racecourse, Kidwilly, Swansea, SA17 4DE
Managed by Lightsource Renewable Energy