Britain’s biggest community solar farm forced to shut over grid overload fears
Summary
Britain’s largest community solar farm in north Devon has been forced to shut down for the summer to prevent overloading the local power grid. The shutdown, ordered by the government’s energy system operator, is expected to cause about £2 million in lost revenue for the cooperative’s nearly 10,000 members before the farm can reopen in September.Key Facts
- The solar farm in north Devon shut down early in its first summer due to concerns about "thermal overload" on the local power grid.
- The shutdown was ordered by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) and carried out by National Grid to protect a key transformer.
- Nearly 10,000 members of the cooperative, who invested in the project, will lose around £2 million in revenue during the shutdown.
- The problem with the grid and the solar surge has been known since 2023, with planned equipment upgrades delayed until September 2024.
- The solar project was initially started by Ripple Energy, which collapsed due to delays and costs; it now operates under 1st Energy and a volunteer board.
- The shutdown came with little warning, frustrating members, though most recognize the issue lies with the grid, not the solar farm management.
- Longer summer days increase rooftop solar power generation, which can overload the grid if not managed with special equipment.
- National Grid is working with Neso to find solutions to these temporary power constraints.
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