A groundbreaking solar farm project near Taunton is poised to become operational by late 2027, promising clean energy for up to 10,500 homes across Somerset. Novus Renewable Services Ltd. secured planning approval from Somerset Council in January 2024 to develop this major renewable energy installation at Preston Farm, located in the hamlet of Preston Bowyer near Milverton.
Now under the stewardship of Uniper, a German energy company that won the contract to supply power to the National Grid during the government’s latest renewable energy auction, the project is advancing rapidly. Uniper’s UK partner, Innova, has announced that construction will commence in early 2027, with full operation expected before the year’s end.
The solar farm will be situated north of the existing farm buildings and accessible via the B3227, the main road connecting Taunton and Wiveliscombe. Once connected approximately one kilometer south of the road to the National Grid, the facility will generate around 28.8MWp of electricity. This output is sufficient to meet the energy needs of thousands of Somerset households, contributing significantly to local renewable energy goals.
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Designed to operate for 40 years, the site will also incorporate sustainable land use practices, allowing sheep to graze alongside the solar panels. After its operational lifespan, the land will be restored for full agricultural use, although future planning applications could extend the farm’s operation beyond 2064.
Local councillor Mike Rigby, representing the adjoining Lydeard division, highlighted the minimal impact of the solar farm on residents compared to recent housing developments. Speaking in January 2024, he said: “More than half of our electricity already comes from renewable resources. To meet our climate emergency targets, we need considerably more. I see no strong reason to reject new local energy generation when its impact is so small. This project strikes a sensible balance.”
This is just one of several new solar initiatives planned across Somerset to support the UK government’s commitment to energy security and cutting carbon emissions. In June 2024, Novus Renewable Services Ltd. also received permission for a similar solar farm at Ham Farm near Taunton’s wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, a decision is expected soon on a potential solar installation at Chard Lane in Wayford, near the Somerset-Dorset border, following a public inquiry in early February.
The Preston solar farm represents a significant step forward for renewable energy in Somerset, aligning with broader efforts to build a sustainable, greener future.