Overview
Benbole is a 1.74 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, owned by Mr John Brown. The plant is operational and contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity.
Benbole is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 1.74 megawatts (MW). This small-scale solar installation is owned by Mr John Brown and is currently operational, feeding clean electricity into the grid. The UK has a supportive regulatory framework for renewable energy, including the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) for larger projects. Small-scale solar PV like Benbole benefits from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which ensures payment for exported electricity. Solar PV is a mature technology in the UK, with capacity ranging from rooftop systems to large solar farms. Benbole's generation helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports the UK's target of net-zero emissions by 2050. As a distributed energy resource, it contributes to local energy resilience and grid stability. The facility's modest scale means it has minimal environmental impact, typical of small solar installations.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a rural area of Cornwall, UK, where solar irradiance is moderate. Solar PV has low environmental impact during operation, with no emissions or water use. Land-use is limited to the panel footprint, and the site can coexist with grazing or biodiversity measures. The UK's temperate climate means solar output varies seasonally, but the technology is well-suited to the region.
Frequently asked questions
Benbole is located in the United Kingdom, specifically in the county of Cornwall, near the town of Wadebridge. The facility's coordinates are approximately 50.5401° N, -4.7826° W.
Benbole has a capacity of 1.74 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic installation. It is designed to generate electricity from sunlight for the local grid.
Benbole is owned by Mr John Brown, a private individual. The facility is operational and contributes to the UK's renewable energy generation.
The UK supports solar PV through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for small-scale installations, which requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay for exported power. Larger projects may benefit from Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions.
Benbole adds 1.74 MW of clean solar capacity, helping the UK meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports the transition to a low-carbon energy system.