Britain's biggest community solar farm forced to shut over grid overload fears

17 days ago

Britain's largest community solar project in north Devon was forced to shut down during its first summer to prevent overloading the local grid with renewable energy.
The shutdown, ordered by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) due to concerns of thermal overload from rooftop solar, will cost the cooperative's nearly 10,000 members about £2m in lost revenue.
The shutdown was unexpected and enforced with no warning, occurring just before a heatwave, and will substantially impact the scheme's finances and near-term member payments.
The problem arises from managing voltage surges from rooftop solar during sunny summer days; necessary equipment upgrades, delayed since 2023, are now due to be completed in September 2024.
The project does not expect compensation for the lost revenue; it was funded by £20m from cooperative members and a £22m bank loan.
Originally launched through Ripple Energy, which aimed to create a blueprint for consumer-owned solar parks, the project faced delays and Ripple's bankruptcy before being revived under a volunteer board.
National Grid confirmed curtailing generation to keep the system secure after Neso's directive and is working with Neso on solutions for temporary constraints.

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