Planning permission secured for 50 MW Cobholden Solar Farm

Cambridge Power has secured Planning permission for the 50 MW Cobholden Solar Farm, located near Staploe, Bedfordshire, UK.

The site infrastructure would include:

Panels, Frames and Inverters

The solar panels will be mounted with a maximum height of approximately 3 m using frames fixed to the ground with piled posts or ground screws. The solar panels generate Direct Current (DC) electricity, which is converted to electricity with Alternating Current (AC) for the local network by power inverters.

Transformers and substation

Cables run underground from the inverters to containerized transformers to step the generation voltage up to the voltage of the Local Electrical Distribution Network (33kV in this case). From the transformers, underground cables will connect to the on-site substation to transfer electricity from the solar farm to the local electricity network, with any excess energy stored within the batteries until it is needed by the Grid. The proposed solar farm and BESS would connect to the existing National Grid / UKPN 400kv Eaton Socon sub-station immediately to the south.

Battery Energy Storage System Facility

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility has already been approved to the north of the Eaton Socon Grid sub-station.  This includes a series of battery racks to store electricity along with associated infrastructure including Power Conversion System (PCS) units and transformers, switchgear and control room buildings, security fencing, parking spaces (for maintenance during operation), underground cabling, landscaping and sustainable drainage (SUDs) features.

Access Tracks

Existing farm tracks will be used where available. New access tracks will typically be 4 m wide and will be built of crushed stone over a geotextile membrane. No concrete will be required. Where possible, tracks will be allowed to grass over once construction is finished.