The largest solar PV array in the UK for the National Trust was installed at their Grade I listed Llanerchaeron property in Wales before the 12th December deadline. At just under 40kWp (37.5kWp) and combined with the existing 7.5kWp solar PV array the installation should generate up to half of the electricity that the house requires. Having provided a full planning consultancy service for multiple solar PV sites across the National Trust portfolio in Wales, local company Dulas advised a free standing ground mount ballasted array would provide the optimum solution to be delivered within the tight timescales.

Mike Clay said of the installation: “By taking forward thinking steps and engaging with a highly experienced company the Trust has been able to best utilise the space available to gain maximum benefit from the feed in tariff. By prioritizing the installation we were able to commission the project in time to take advantage of the highest feed in tariff rates providing the best possible financial rate of returns for the Trust.”

The Trust has made a commitment to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels by 50% within the next eight years. They aim to cut their carbon emissions from energy use for heat and electricity by 45%, beating the Government’s target of a 34% reduction in co2 by 2020.

The Trust has also made a pledge to take care of the environment by reducing energy and water use and substantially cutting dependence on energy sources outside of its estate and by developing its own energy sources.

Key in achieving this has been the use of biomass technology which Dulas has also taken the lead in delivering.
The company has successfully delivered biomass wood fuel heating systems for the National Trust at both Stackpole and South Pilton Green ensuring that the organisation is well on its way to meeting its objectives. Stackpole is now home to a 350kW boiler which replaces 17 ageing LPG boilers whilst South Pilton Green operates a 35kW boiler which is linked to a small district heating scheme.

This system is containerised to provide an innovative solution to space and access issues. The Trust had limited locations to house the boiler so a ‘boxed’ solution was provided which was able to work around this issue.

The National Trust has also installed multi-technology systems at their flagship project for sustainability, Gibson’s Mill as well as biomass at Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire.

Keith Jones, Environmental Practices Advisor for the National Trust said: “We have been delighted with the contribution that Dulas have been giving to our carbon reduction and sustainability programmes using solar and biomass technologies. Their experience has added value as we try to overcome the challenges of installing these technologies within our historic buildings and valuable landscapes. They have worked with us to deliver the bespoke solutions and were impressed by their ability to install our first large scale solar PV system within the very tight Feed-in Tariff deadline.”