Cornwall ‘ups the solar ante’ with three major SPV plants
Somewhat surprisingly, Cornwall is the UK’s largest generator of SPV. The region can now also lay claim to housing the three largest SPV plants in the UK, thanks to a mammoth project carried out by renewable energy company, Isolux Corsan.
The developments are the Spanish company’s first in the UK, and at a total cost of £35m, they’re a bold statement. That the plants in Langford, Churchtown and Manor Farm were built in ten weeks further underlines its intent. Having completed the project in this time frame also meant the developers were not subject to subsidy cuts under the Feed-In tariff review.
Combined, the plants have 15MW capacity, and will feed into the Western Power Distribution electricity grid.
Naturally, a project of such magnitude required rather a lot of solar modules – 22,000 to be precise. These were supplied by Canadian Solar, one of the world’s largest solar companies. Isolux specified the CS6P-P module, one which has achieved excellent results in the PVUSA (PTC) rating. The panels are among the most efficient available, each capable of producing 240W from a supply of 29.9 volts.
Recognising that solar panels are the most popular of renewable energy sources in the UK, Canadian Solar has already hinted that this is the beginning of its involvement in helping the UK become more energy efficient.
Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, commented: ‘We are proud that Canadian Solar was selected for this showcase project.
‘The impressive scale of this milestone UK solar project is proof of Isolux Corsan’s excellence, and we look forward to continuing to work with customers, such as them, to promote the expansion of solar power in the UK.
‘It has been a major challenge for Isolux Corsan to build these three plants, 15 MW of power plants, in just ten weeks.’
Contact:
Canadian Solar: www.canadiansolar.com
Isolux Corsan: www.isolux.es
