Swindon Solar Farm

Today, one of the largest solar farms in the UK opened. Matt Moore, Head of the SMG Wroughton Site explains more. 

Built at a former RAF airfield now owned by the Science Museum Group (SMG), the 183 acres of photovoltaic (PV) arrays will generate close to 50 GWh of energy each year. This is enough energy to power 15,400 homes, and is over three times the annual energy usage of our Museums in the SMG.

Who is building and operating the solar farm?

Public Power Solutions initially developed the scheme and secured planning permission (as project rights developer) in partnership with the SMG. The solar farm was granted planning consent in March 2015 and from December 2015 British Solar Renewables became the owner, developer and operator of the solar farm.

British Solar Renewables has connected over 380 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic arrays in the UK, and for this project will be using Polycrystalline PV modules manufactured by Jetion Solar. As many components as possible have been sourced in UK to minimise the solar farm’s carbon footprint during construction and operation.

The solar farm contains multiple rows of arrays, each containing photovoltaic panels on a steel and aluminium framework like a giant Meccano set. For the UK, the panels are mounted at a 20 degree angle to optimise power output.

The electrical works for the solar farm are more complex. When running, the PV panels generate electricity, producing it as direct current (DC). This is transmitted via large DC cables to a central inverter station, where it is converted to AC (alternating current). This passes through a step-up transformer, which increases the voltage to 33,000V, ready for the electricity to be transported over the National Grid (and helping minimise transmission losses).

Remote monitoring systems have been installed to assess the farm’s performance and ensure faults can be identified and repaired as quickly as possible. Air and PV panel temperatures are monitored along with wind speed and light levels. This data can then be used to help determine the farm’s performance, measured as ratio between actual and theoretical performance.

The operation of a solar farm

Once operational, Swindon Solar Farm will require little attention beyond monitoring, maintenance and an occasional clean. The ground underneath the farm can provide a significant area of habitat for ground flora, for wildlife and for low-impact grazing.

Our aim is to help chalk-loving plants and in particular support native pollinating insects. The land under the farm will be managed by low-impact grazing and mowing over the 30-year lifespan of the array.

Native plants will colonise and thrive, bringing with them many other animals to become a buzzing, colourful haven for many under-threat species. Our site is part of the Marlborough Downs Space for Nature, a project that provides breathing spaces for wildlife on farms, and the solar farm will help contribute to the achievements of this project too.

Swindon Solar Farm will also set up a benefit fund for the local community, providing around £60,000 a year to help fund local projects.

Matt Moore is Head of the SMG Wroughton Site

Thanks to Merlin Douglas Johnson at BSR for support with this blog.

Solar Farm Stats