The Hownsgill solar farm combines the latest photo voltaic panels and battery storage technology to provide electricity to the Hownsgill industrial park in Consett. On completion the 12-hectare site will house 7000 PV (photovoltaic) panels, capable of producing 7MW of solar power.

The first stage of the development (2025/26) will provide an initial 3MW with full capacity brought online if there is further demand for the power. It is also likely that the site will generate more energy than first proposed due to improvements in panel design.

This development will be the first in our town and will provide cheaper, clean renewable energy for nearby firms, helping to secure existing jobs and attract new employment to the site.