Isle of Man Solar Tracker

Hedley Planning submitted plans for a new solar array on the Isle of Man which were given the green light, for the erection of three pole-mounted photovoltaic trackers, the first of their kind on the Isle of Man. Each tracker contained 36 photo voltaic panels and will be installed alongside a new data centre and maintenance access road, on a 0.49-hectare plot on rural land off the Douglas Road in Ballasalla.

The development will also see onsite parking for up to eight vehicles as part of an ambitious initiative to generate 100% renewable power for the site and the nearby Gatekeepers Cottage in line with the Net Zero targets outlined in the Isle of Man Climate Change Action Plan.

The data gathered from the centre will be used for educational purposes. When the site comes on stream these will produce 50,989 KW/hrs per year – which will be used to service approximately 11.5-acres including the Gatekeepers cottage, site amenities and equipment – enough to power 25 family size homes.

The move is part of a green initiative by local inventor, entrepreneur, horologist, philanthropist and applicant Dr John Taylor designed to deliver environmental benefits in line with government policies.

In reaching a decision, the planning officer noted the limited effect the scheme will have on the character and appearance of the local landscape while the site did meet the criteria for a solar installation.

Ecological and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) were completed, as well as a glint and glare assessment due to proximity to the airport, as part of pre-planning assessment work undertaken by Hedley Planning, which confirmed the site was suitable for a project of this type.

Joe Ridgeon, Director at Hedley Planning, who oversaw the application, said: “We are delighted to eventually secure planning permission for this exciting project and very much look forward to seeing the plans come to fruition.

“We continue to face an energy crisis in the UK, so bringing forward solar energy farms like this one can be an efficient way to generate clean energy for properties and wider local communities. More environmentally beneficial initiatives will come on stream in the next few years as people continue to see the advantages and plug in to greener energy solutions.”