Project Summary
Homewood Farm is a solar ground mount proposal with the potential to directly supply the local community with solar generated energy via a local supply scheme.
Background
In 2019 two parish councils near Bath commissioned Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) to investigate potential Solar PV locations. These included a previously identified site at Homewood Farm, Freshford.
Terms were agreed in principle with the Homewood farm landowner and a 12-month exclusivity agreement was signed. A low voltage grid connection, suitable for local supply, was secured with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
Results and outcomes
BWCE received Community Energy Fund (CEF) Stage 1 grant funding of £39,966 from the South West Net Zero Hub to develop the Homewood Solar Farm project.
Key tasks carried out:
- Ensure technical feasibility
- Fully understand the local supply model
- Ensure the projects commercial viability
- Ensure there were no major planning or legal issues
- Ensure secure grid connection suitable for a local supply model
- Engage with the local planning authority via pre-app
- Conduct non-site-specific community engagement
- More site-specific community engagement was carried out than originally planned
As a result, the project was able to ensure technical feasibility.
BWCE have now applied for CEF Stage 2 funding (£99,916) which will support the project up to a full planning submission.
Lessons learnt
After the project was announced in a parish council meeting, residents had some questions which could not be answered before feasibility work was complete.
As a result, BWCE began early engagement with the local community at parish council meetings, through home visits, and drop-in events.
Through this site-specific community engagement, BWCE were able to better understand local opinion – positive and negative – and address issues at an early stage which helped to build trust within community.
Community benefits
- An annual ring-fenced benefit to the communities local to the solar farm.
- Potential to support 300-500 households (assuming a local supply model and subject to uptake)
- Surplus income from the solar farm returned to the community pot and distributed via a grant scheme to eligible projects in the area.
- If a local supply model is adopted, local club members will be able to purchase energy directly from the solar farm when it is generating, at a special local power tariff rate.
Wider benefits
- Number of Households supported (potential) 300-500 (assuming a local supply model and subject to uptake)
- A community owned project, putting local people in control. Local residents can invest, become BWCE members and have a vote.
- Community energy projects typically deliver 10 times the community funds proportionately compared to similar commercial schemes
- BWCE aim to deliver a minimum 25% biodiversity net gain, enhancing the habitat and leaving it in a measurably better condition
- Potential to create 19 jobs (projected estimate)
Funding and investment
Community Energy Fund Stage 1 grant £39,966
Community Energy Fund Stage 2 grant £99,916
Next steps
The next stages of the project to be funded by the CEF Stage 2 grant:
- Complete remaining planning surveys and submit full planning application;
- Conduct further community engagement
- Promote the local supply model and gauge the level of interest from local residents
- Complete a site-specific survey
- Develop the design and financial modelling
- Further engage with the DNO (SSEN) to ensure milestones are met.
BWCE plan to submit a full planning application during 2025 and commence installation in 2026.
Key facts
| Community Energy Group | Bath and West Community Energy |
| Project Location | Freshford near Bath |
| Community Energy Fund Priorities Supported | * Building Resilience in Communities * Reducing Carbon Emissions * Lowering Energy Costs |
| Energy generation/saving | 800kWp (solar) Energy/Heat Actual generated 842,000kWh/annum |
| Timeline | Installation in 2026 (subject to planning permission) |
| Carbon saving | 160 tonnes per annum |
| Project value | £903,000 including development and installation (estimated total) |
| Project website | Find out more on the BWCE website |
