The 250kWp solar farm forms part of ABP's plans to deploy over 20MW of solar at its ports. Image: ABP.
The Port of Silloth has officially opened its new 250kWp solar farm on Marshall Dock, representing an investment of £250,000 in port infrastructure.
A total of 960 solar panels were installed on the northern side of the dock, adjacent to Carr’s Flour Mill. The annual generation of the site is set to average 220,000 kWh per annum, which will feed into the local grid and gain revenue from the feed-in tariff accrued by the installation.
However, the Association of British Ports (ABP) has confirmed to Solar Power Portal that there is potential to expand the size of the site and convert it into a private wire site supplying a neighbouring site through a power purchase agreement (PPA).
The installation was completed by Custom Solar as part of the three-year framework the company won with ABP back in November 2017.
Short sea ports director Andrew Harston said the completion of the project marked a great milestone for ABP, strengthening its position as one of the largest corporate solar power generators in the UK. In December, ABP said 20MW of solar could be deployed acorss all 21 of its ports
“We’re delighted to be able to celebrate this important milestone and the successful completion of the solar farm, which will make operations at the port even more environmentally sustainable,” he added.
“ABP is committed to protecting the environment and we are always looking for opportunities where we can invest in renewable energy projects across our ports.”
Mayor Tony Markley of Silloth-on-Solway also attended the opening ceremony alongside ABP customers.