Solarcrown Commercial has delivered many traditional Solar PV and energy reduction projects for NSC (Neighbourhood Services Company) in North Liverpool, including Dovecot Multi Activity Centre, Croxteth Communiversity, Ellergreen Community Centre, Vauxhall Neighbourhood Council and St Swithin’s Church.
We have been working with NSC for over 18 months to design and plan a solar farm at Larkin’s Farm, the home of NSC, to diversify and utilise some of the lower quality farm land for a large scale solar energy plant.
Planning permission has now been granted, and the project is expected to be completed in 2024.
Larkin’s Farm
Larkin’s Farm is a 105-acre community owned farm located in Knowsley, Merseyside, that delivers a range of community activities and services.
NSC grows fresh, local produce in the self-managed market garden that is delivered to local community cafes and delicatessens. The team creates planters, bird tables and bird boxes out of 100% recycled materials which would otherwise go to landfill.
The farm also provides a training and volunteering base in horticultural skills, vehicle maintenance and repair, administration, finance and more.
A care project is hosted at the farm, providing therapeutic work placements for local people with learning difficulties.
Solar PV farm for NSC
With first-hand experience of the benefits of solar PV systems that have been installed on various community buildings by Solarcrown Commercial, NSC wanted to use around half of the land at Larkin’s Farm for a solar PV farm. As well as environmental and cost benefits, an agricultural and technology mix at the farm offers an additional educational element, allowing the team to demonstrate the most modern way of farming through produce and energy.
Solarcrown Commercial conducted feasibility studies on the viability of a large-scale solar PV farm. Initial results confirmed that a solar farm in the region of 4 MW was possible. However, because of a DNO (Distribution Network Operator) directive of no support for solar projects in the North West region of more than 1MW, the proposed project was reduced from 4MW to 1MW and plans were put in place accordingly.
After we completed extensive planning and design works, the solar farm was given full local and regional planning approval.
Project details – energy capacity, yield and impact
The solar farm project will deliver:
- 1,424,000 kWp of total installed capacity
- 1,370,737 kWh of green energy per year
- 186,388 kg reduction in CO2 emissions
To produce this, the project requires:
- 2,848 solar PV modules mounted on supporting structures
- 6,730 sq meters of coverage
The project is equivalent to:
- Solar PV installations on 500 domestic homes
- Planting 10,000 trees
- The power required to manufacture 50 company vehicles
Benefits of the Larkin’s Farm solar PV project
Return on investment
Before this solar farm is completed, NSC already saves £40,000 every year on their running costs due to the solar PV panels Solarcrown Commercial has installed on their community buildings.
By producing an additional 1,370,737 kWh of green energy per year, fed directly to the National grid this has the potential to generate a further £125,000 in the first year for the benefit of Larkin’s farm and wider community.
Environmental benefits
The Larkin’s Farm solar PV project will prevent the 186,388kg of carbon emissions that are currently produced using traditional energy sources, from entering the environment. It is therefore a significant green energy project that will harness sustainability, and benefit the wellbeing of local communities for many years.
Cost benefits
By generating such a large volume of its own green, renewable energy, Larkin’s Farm will be a truly “green operation” and the majority of generated energy sent directly to the national grid, and the resultant ROI used for the benefit of all NSC and Larkin’s Farm beneficiaries.
Education and community impact
The combination of agricultural activities and environmental technology provides NSC with a unique education platform for local communities. The solar farm will raise awareness of renewable energy and sustainability within the community through first-hand experience of how the system works and the amount of energy and money it saves.
Energy security
Larkin’s Farm’s solar PV farm removes NSC’s reliance on the grid for electricity. This provides security against outages and price hikes, which is hugely beneficial for community enterprises.
Speak to Solarcrown Commercial about your solar PV project
Solarcrown Commercial is proud to have been working for several years with NSC to help realise the team’s vision of generating renewable energy that benefits local communities.
Can we help with your solar PV project? Get in touch for more information
