Atrato Onsite Energy has launched Yorkshire’s largest operational solar farm, capable of powering over 20,000 UK homes.
This £39.4 million project marks Atrato’s largest investment to date and has an impressive capacity of 55MW. The solar farm will generate 49GWh of clean energy annually, supporting OVO Energy’s commitment to become a zero-carbon business by 2035 under a three-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The project is strategically aligned with public sentiment, as recent data reveals that 64% of UK residents support further investments in renewable energy. The solar farm, spanning approximately 166 acres, features more than 93,000 bi-facial solar panels, a cutting-edge technology that captures sunlight on both sides, enhancing energy generation by approximately 5% compared to traditional mono-facial panels.
The deployment of bi-facial solar panels is a significant choice for Atrato, as these panels maximise energy capture by generating power from both direct and reflected sunlight. This advanced technology makes the installation more efficient, contributing to OVO’s and the UK’s wider sustainability goals. Atrato’s CEO highlighted the project’s contribution to national energy independence, emphasising the company’s focus on providing long-term, renewable power solutions.
The solar farm’s design is future-ready, with plans to integrate a battery storage system. This addition would allow the farm to store surplus energy generated during peak sunlight hours and distribute it during periods of high demand or low production. By enhancing grid stability, the storage solution will provide consistent energy supply, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving resilience.
This initiative is part of a broader push within the energy industry to support the UK’s ambitious decarbonisation targets. OVO’s zero-carbon commitment by 2035 is a critical part of this effort, and partnerships with renewable energy projects like Atrato’s solar farm play a key role in reaching those goals. By securing energy from this solar farm, OVO moves closer to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting a cleaner national grid.
As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, Atrato Onsite Energy’s investment represents a vital step forward. By leveraging innovative solar technology and looking ahead to storage solutions, this project will help pave the way for a greener energy future, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for UK homes.
