Hedley Planning has secured approval for a solar array project on the Isle of Man, featuring PV panels mounted on three trackers. The photovoltaic system will generate clean energy to power a data centre that will also serve educational purposes.
PV Panels to Boost Renewable Energy on the Isle of Man
Hedley Planning, a company based in the North East, has taken a significant step forward in its expansion plans beyond the region. The firm recently secured approval for a new solar array on the Isle of Man, which will feature photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on three trackers.
The solar array will be installed on a 0.49-hectare plot of rural land off Douglas Road in Ballasalla, which will also house a data centre and a new maintenance access road.
The photovoltaic panels will power the data centre and supply clean energy to the local community, while the centre itself will provide data from the PV trackers for educational use.
Each of the three trackers will hold 36 PV panels designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity to power the surrounding area. Photovoltaic panels are a key technology in the renewable energy sector, offering a clean, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels by harnessing the power of the sun.
PV panels are made from materials like silicon that absorb sunlight and create an electric field. When sunlight hits the panels, electrons are knocked loose, creating an electrical current. This process, known as the photovoltaic effect, is what gives the technology its name.
The First PV Trackers on the Isle of Man
The pole-mounted photovoltaic trackers in this project are a first for the Isle of Man. They follow the sun throughout the day, allowing them to capture more sunlight and generate more energy than fixed panels. This increased efficiency is expected to deliver greater benefits for the local community.
The solar array project is part of a broader push by the Isle of Man to become more energy independent. As the world faces growing concerns over climate change and energy shortages, PV panels offer a way to generate electricity without relying on fossil fuels. The introduction of these pole-mounted trackers is expected to pave the way for more PV panel installations on the island.
Hedley Planning has been at the forefront of planning and development projects in the North East of England. This solar array project marks its expansion beyond the region and highlights its commitment to renewable energy. Joe Ridgeon, the director at Hedley Planning who oversaw the planning application, was pleased with the outcome.
“We are delighted to eventually secure planning permission for this exciting project and very much look forward to seeing the plans come to fruition,” Ridgeon said. He emphasized the importance of solar energy farms as an efficient way to generate clean energy for both properties and the wider community.
The Benefits of Solar Energy for the Isle of Man
The solar array project on the Isle of Man is expected to bring several benefits to the local community. By generating electricity without producing harmful emissions, PV panels are an eco-friendly choice. They also offer a cost-effective energy source, as sunlight is free and abundant.
The accompanying data centre will also play an important role by collecting and displaying information from the trackers. This data on energy generation will be used for educational purposes, helping to inform the public and promote the use of renewable energy.
Hedley Planning’s approval for the Isle of Man solar array is a significant step in advancing renewable energy on the island. With this installation, the array will not only generate clean electricity for the local community but also provide valuable data for educational purposes.