Working with renewable energy specialists Eco2Solar, Lodge Farm, owned by P J Gosling Partners, has installed a 39.6kWp solar photovoltaic system.
This is expected to generate more than 34,153 units of green energy per year for use on the 320 acre site and provide £11,236 in tax-free income from the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme.
As part of the Government’s exemption, planning permission is no longer required by farmers who install renewable generators, such as solar panels on existing buildings.
Eco2Solar managing director Paul Hutchens, said: “This is excellent news for the farming industry and rural economy. It means farmers and land managers will no longer be ‘turned off’ from the benefits of solar panel installations through fear of facing complex and costly planning permission applications.”
P J Gosling Partners owner Philip Gosling, said: “By utilising on-farm renewables, we are able to secure a valuable additional revenue steam which is vital for the future development of our facilities.”
Carys Matthews