LAST Friday marked a significant milestone for Bodenham Arboretum – the completion of its solar project.
A total of 292 solar roof panels have been installed and will provide 162kw per hour – a total 135,000kw annually for the attraction’s Visitor Centre and Farm.
Picture by Colin Hill. s
Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier cut the ribbon of the ‘control room’, cheered on by pupils from Cookley and Wolverley Sebright Primary Schools. They have been learning about the conversion of sunlight to energy.
Picture by Colin Hill. s
Third-generation family co-owner Sam Binnian, said specialist teams being brought in led to the successful organisation of the project which ensured a harmonious outcome and minimum disruption.
“The adoption of a renewable energy source bolsters our energy efficiency and reduces our carbon footprint and reliance on the grid which depends on fossil fuels to generate energy.”
Picture by Colin Hill. s
Bodenham appointed Shrewsbury based ESP Energy to design and install the system, whilst National Grid was responsible for the connection to 3-phase electricity (a constant, higher-power supply).
According to ESP Energy, Bodenham’s system will reduce Bodenham’s CO2 emissions by 34 tonnes per year. Over its 25-year lifetime, the energy saved will be the equivalent of just over 1,000,000km of car travel or 718 long haul flights.
Picture by Colin Hill. s
Alternatively, it will have had the same benefit of having planted just under 6,500 trees – something which resonates extremely loudly with Bodenham Arboretum.
A dedicated display showing energy generation and consumption will soon be introduced to the visitor centre.
