December 14, 2012 - Eastleigh Borough Council have granted planning permission for a solar photovoltaic park at the Chalcroft Farm, West End near Southampton.
Yesterday's decision marks an new era for Solarcentury in the development of solar parks.
Frans van den Heuvel, CEO, Solarcentury said:
"Solarcentury has designed and built 10 solar parks in the UK to date and this is the first where we have acted as developer. We currently have 68MW in our development pipeline."
"When the right sites are selected, solar is a very attractive technology" he added.
Once complete, the solar park at Chalcroft Farm will consist of 25,632 panels, covering approximately 40 acres of land. It will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 1,800 homes.
Solarcentury sites are selected for their minimal visual impact and proximity of grid connection.
The solar park goes towards meeting the renewables energy target set by the local council.
Eastleigh Borough Council Leader, Keith House, said:
"The Borough prides itself on leading the agenda on tackling climate change and the Chalcroft Solar Park will contribute to reaching our ambitious target to reduce CO2 from the Borough by a third by 2020."
Arun Services, a local construction company, has been awarded the principal subcontracting role, ensuring jobs remain with those in the area.