The solar panels will be installed in the field east of Acomb Common, just past the school. They will be arranged in rows or “tents” facing east and west, which means they can catch sunlight throughout the day. The panels will be ground mounted and cover only part of the field, leaving space for wildlife habitats around them.
The panels turn daylight into electricity. They work whenever it’s light, not just when it’s sunny. The array is expected to generate around 829,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, roughly the same as the annual use of 300 homes, or about half the homes in the Parish.
All the electricity from the solar array goes straight into the local electricity grid. From there, it becomes part of the power used in nearby homes and businesses. We intend to offer an electricity tariff for local residents and businesses once the project is generating, depending on regulatory arrangements at the time.
The project earns money by selling this electricity to the grid. That income helps fund the running of the project as well as paying back the initial investments and shareholders. If there is a surplus, it will be allocated by Acomb Community Energy’s members in line with the Community Benefit Society’s rules.
The project includes improvements for nature on the site. New hedgerows and a wildflower meadow will create habitats for birds, insects and small mammals. These changes deliver a biodiversity net gain, meaning the land will support more wildlife than it does today.
Acomb Community Energy is developing a small solar array on the field beyond Acomb Common. It will generate clean power for the local electricity network and help Acomb contribute to Net Zero.
Solar is a proven, low impact technology. It was identified as the most practical first project for Acomb after exploring a range of renewable options.
Acomb Community Energy, a not‑for‑profit Community Benefit Society run by local volunteers.
On a lower‑grade agricultural field east of Acomb Common, just past the school and on the right hand side of the road up to Salmonswell Farm. It’s currently used for grazing.
Full planning permission has been granted for the solar array, site entrance improvements and a temporary construction compound. Planning conditions are in place to manage construction, protect wildlife and ensure the installation is screened from the road.
If you already have solar panels fitted to your property, you can still be part of Acomb Community Energy. You will be able to invest in the project when we launch the Community Share Offer. If we are able to offer a Local Electricity Supply Tariff in future you will be able to sign up to that tariff for your electricity imports. Plus you’ll still able to take advanatge of a SEG (Smart Export Guarantee), if you have one already. As demand for electricity grows, due to electrification of transport and heat, your support for ACE will help meet that growth in demand from renewable source with zero CO2 emissions.
It will be visible from the road to Salmonswell Farm, but the panels are set back from the village. Existing hedgerows and new planting will help screen the site over time.
The project includes measures to improve biodiversity, including new native hedgerow planting and a wildflower meadow beside the panels.
Solar panels are silent when generating electricity. The only equipment that produces sound are the inverters and transformer, which give off a low hum that is only audible close by. A glint and glare assessment was carried out as part of the planning application, and it did not identify glare as an issue.
Some limited disruption is expected, particularly around school traffic and parking. Construction will follow planning conditions, and more detailed information will be shared before work begins.
25 to 30 years. The installation is fully removable, and the field could return to agricultural use at the end of the project if it is not renewed.