Inside Salisbury: Making the most of the sun at Larkhill
Hundreds of solar-powered roof panels installed at Larkhill
By Annette J Beveridge
MORE than 1300 roof-mounted solar panels have been installed at Larkhill.
Electricity generated by the Photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity at Larkhill Garrison but any surplus electricity will be fed through a private wire network for reuse across Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down.
The installations were completed under Project Prometheus which delivers ground and roof-mounted solar arrays and supports the army’s commitment to operate more sustainably and to reach net zero by 2050.
Director of Basing & Infrastructure and the army’s sustainability champion, Major General Richard Clements CBE, spoke at the official switch-on of the PV panels.
He said: “I am delighted to see the successful completion of our latest solar installation project. By increasing green energy supply, we are building a more sustainable, cost-effective army estate that protects both our future capability and the environments in which soldiers live, work and train.
In recent years, almost 11,000 PV panels have been installed on offices, stores, garaging and training assets at Salisbury Plain Training Area garrisons.
The panels cover more than 18,000m2 of roof space.
This saves 600 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to the annual absorption of 27,000 trees.
Read more: The dark history of the Croft
Defence Infrastructure Organisation Regional Delivery Lead, Barry Ray, said: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of the latest solar panel installation under Project Prometheus, through the Aspire Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and the tireless efforts of the whole team.
“We’re happy to be playing our part in the MOD’s efforts to meet the government’s net zero targets and make the Defence estate as sustainable as we can.
“The energy generated will help to power the buildings at Larkhill and any extra can be used to meet demand elsewhere on the PFI estate, so the benefit will be widely felt.”
Photo: Major Gen Richard Clements CBE, Director Basing & Infrastructure and representatives from Army, DIO and Aspire Defence beside new roof-mounted PV at Larkhill Garrison. Aspire Defence Ltd.
