The framework which will support the panels is has been installed and the panels themselves have begun arriving on a soggy but sunny site in Plymouth. The solar farm will be built over the next month and is set to be generating clean energy before the end of March.

The site is low-grade land previously used by the MOD, making it ideal for a solar array. The field also benefits from Plymouth’s position on the south coast and its location next to the water – both mean more sunlight for the panels.

Not only will it generate clean renewable energy, cut the carbon in our electricity supply and help local and national energy security but the profits from the 4.1MW farm will all go to fund local community projects.

PEC Renewables was set up in 2014 to fund and build community-owned renewable energy installations in Plymouth and have provided 21 schools and community buildings with free solar panels, and installed five larger solar roofs. PEC Renewables’ projects are partially funded by local community share offers meaning local investors can earn a fair return on their green investment and even more money can be kept in the city.