Council’s Net Zero Solar Farm Project Reaches Completion

The construction of a £2.8m solar farm, intended to contribute to offsetting a council’s carbon emissions, has concluded. This 2MW solar farm, situated at Sandscale Park in Barrow, Cumbria, incorporates approximately 3,700 solar panels. Westmorland and Furness Council has indicated that the facility is projected to produce sufficient electricity annually to supply its five leisure centres or approximately 730 residences. Spanning an area of about 29 acres (11.9 hectares), this solar farm represents the initial undertaking among several planned initiatives by the council aimed at achieving net zero status. The authority confirmed that the farm is currently linked to the national grid and is producing electricity. Councillor Peter Thornton commented: “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.” The project was executed in collaboration with Electricity North West, with Vital Energi serving as the main contractor, and Green Cat Renewables providing specialist advisory services. Councillor Giles Archibald stated that various native tree and hedge species were planted at the location to “support our rich local wildlife including pollinators, bats and a variety of birds such as house sparrows, wagtails, nuthatch and redstarts.” He further added, “This solar farm is a landmark achievement, not just for our council but for Cumbria as a whole.”