A Bristol-based renewable energy company has started construction work on the largest solar power farm in Scotland.
The 20MW Elgin Energy scheme on the Errol Estate, bordering the River Tay near Perth, will cover 70-acres or land.
It is expected to be completed by Spring 2016 and will provide power for more than 3,500 homes.
Ronan Clarke, project engineer, added: “The photovoltaic panels will continue to generate electricity every day of the year for a project lifespan of 25 years,”
The nearby Clashbenny archaeological site will be preserved and a public path through the site location is also being maintained.
A spokesman for Savills, which promoted the Elgin Energy development, said: “We are delighted to see this project come to fruition; it has been four year in the making and proves that large-scale solar in Scotland continues to be commercially viable.
“Solar technology has a far greater role to play in Scotland’s energy mix than many people might realise.
“Due to reducing installation costs, and a climate of support from Scottish Government, we are continuing to see an appetite from developers to take forward new development sites, even with reducing subsidy support from the Westminster government.”
Solar panel installation costs have reduced by approximately 50% over the last three years and the wholesale price of electricity is anticipated to increase in the longer term even though we are seeing a short term dip at the moment.
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