Quarterly Newsletter September 2024

1. Performance update:

In the last quarter, Gawcott Fields Solar Farm generated 1,583 MW, which was 7% below our projections. This shortfall was primarily due to lower-than-expected irradiance, with April and May being particularly cloudy, leading to sunshine levels 20% and 18% below our projected average.

Additionally, we experienced some inverter issues during this period. However, we’re pleased to report that all necessary repairs and replacements have been completed, and operations are now back on track for the upcoming quarter. Gawcott Solar remains in a strong financial position.

2. Community Impact:

Going Wild with the Greener Padbury Group:

The Bee Green Grant Fund continues to make a significant impact. Earlier this year, the Greener Padbury Group received a £2,000 grant, enabling them to offer free Go Wild Holiday sessions for children in the local community this summer. These sessions included engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and promote the protection of our local wildlife.

Thanks to our support, 16 sessions have been held this year, allowing kids to explore the fascinating world of pollinators, track animal footprints, and build natural shelters. They’ve also enjoyed creative projects like natural fabric dyeing and painting. Cassandra Rigg from the Greener Padbury Group explained,

“We can continue to run Go Wild this year thanks to Gawcott Fields Community Solar. Their support allows us to promote the protection and care of the wildlife on our doorstep, to help young people connect with nature, and to extend the reach of that connection and care”

New Grant for Buckingham Primary School’s Eco Council:

The board has awarded a grant of £2,000 to Buckingham Primary School. This one-year grant will support the school’s eco council, helping to expand its impact on the school community by funding data loggers to monitor light levels and temperatures, which will assist with solar panel placement and boost plant growth.

Additionally, the grant will provide litter pickers, compost caddies, and leaf swatch books to foster environmental stewardship among students, along with wildlife boxes, fruit and vegetable planters, and eco-friendly garden patches. We look forward to seeing the great work the school’s eco council will accomplish!

Bee Green with Gawcott Solar

There are currently three ways we can help local schools, charities and community organisations working within 5km of the solar farm:

1. Our ‘Bee Green’ small grants fund supports local community-led environmental projects.
2. Our ‘Solar Soft Loans’ help pay for solar panels and energy saving measures for local schools.
3. Our net zero schools programme supports renewable energy and climate change-related STEM activities including school visits to the solar farm.

All applications will be reviewed by our local board. Visit our funding page for the application form and guidelines. We look forward to your applications!

3. Boosting Wildflowers and Wildlife

This September marks the first year we’ll be collecting cut grass as part of our initiative to promote wildflowers by taking nutrients out of the soil. Cut grass will be deposited in designated areas to compost, while also providing essential habitats for reptiles such as grass snakes.

We will also look to cut one side of our hedgerow now that the bird nesting period has ended. By managing our hedgerows on a rotational basis, we ensure that there is a continuous supply of nectar and fruit available for birds and pollinators each year. While new growth is vital, it takes two years before it begins to flower and fruit.