We’re expanding our existing solar array behind the Business Units in Crossapol to 150kW and adding a 50kW/102Kwh battery storage system. It’s a great new addition to our community-owned renewables.
This project marks the beginning of a new chapter as we prepare (well in advance!) to replace Tilley, who is gracefully approaching retirement. While we can’t replace Tilley with another turbine just yet, we can replace her with solar.
☀️ Why solar and not wind?
The short version: solar is simpler, faster, and more affordable right now. The slightly longer version:
- Grid constraints – anything over 200kW triggers costly reinforcement works. We can easily keep solar under this limit and still get good value for money – but for wind, we would need to install a wind turbine of a similar size or bigger than Tilley – 900kW. That becomes a mammoth project requiring substantial, and expensive reinforcement works to connect it to the grid.
- Planning permission complexity – wind turbines require a lot of paperwork and many years of behind the scenes work before they can be installed. For solar, planning permission is much more straightforward.
- Groundworks – wind needs deep, expensive foundations. Solar just needs a relatively flat site and some gravel.
- Speed – we need replacement generation now, and solar can be installed much quicker than wind.
- Diversification – Tilley’s had a few technical issues over the years. Solar gives us a more balanced energy mix.
💸 What will happen to the income from the new solar array?
It will go straight back into the community, supporting the Trust’s ongoing work and helping fund new projects.
📏 What’s the size of the new array?
We’re installing 336 ground-mounted solar panels, each rated at 455W. They’ll look a lot like the existing ones did – just more of them!
🌞 Wait, there’s already solar behind the Business Units?
Yes! There was small array tucked away back there already! The mountings we used (and are using for this expanded version) are very low-profile with minimal visual impact.
📍 Where will the new array be located?
Right behind the business units – as you can see in the drawing below, the blue boxes note the solar behind the business units.
🛠️ When is the installation happening?
You’ll notice folk on site from early November doing preparatory work – the full install will be complete by the end of February.
🌍 How much carbon will this project save annually?
Our estimate is 26.98 tonnes ever year – that’s the equivalent of planting 1,239 trees!
⚡ How much will the solar array generate?
Our estimate is 139.50 MWh – that would power a 3kW tumble dryer for nearly 5 and a half years.
🐝 Will wildlife be affected?
The site is not one that sees a lot of use by birds etc and there will be no impacts affecting beyond the site. We have discussed with RSPB, and there are some future ideas we could look at around making the site more supportive for the local bee population that we are passing to the Climate Adaptation group to consider.
💰 How is this project funded?
The majority of funding comes from Local Energy Scotland through the Scottish Government Community Renewable Generation Fund , with additional support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. We are very grateful to LES and HIE for their support on this project.
🧭 How will the money be spent?
Income from the solar array will be donated by TCEL to the Trust, which uses it to run current projects or save for future ones. Want a say in how it’s spent? Join the Board!
🏘️ Will this benefit the community directly?
Absolutely. This solar array helps keep vital services running and supports long-term sustainability.
⚡ Will the solar array power the Business Units?
Yes and no. for technical reasons the units have separate supplies, and we can’t connect directly, but we’re planning on setting up a Local Energy Market as an alternative. Tenants can join and benefit from lower rates if they want.
🔋 Is battery storage included?
Yes! We’re installing a 50kW battery system to store excess energy and smooth out supply. This will also maximise the benefit of the solar generation to the on-site rapid EV Charger.
🌱 Are there plans for more renewables?
Yes – we’re actively working on installing more solar over the coming years as part of our wider plans to eventually “replace” Tilley.
If you’ve still got questions, drop us a line – admin@tireetrust.org.uk and we’ll do our best to find the answer!
