BEC begins 87kw solar installation at Shoreham Port

Brighton Energy Coop began the installation of an 87kw solar array earlier this week.

Owned by the Brighton and Hove community, the array, which covers five buildings at the Hove Enterprise Centre, will comprise of 366 panels and generate enough clean electricity to supply more than 30 homes.

BEC is currently conducting a share issue to raise funds for further installs at City Coast Church in Portslade and St George’s Church in Kemptown. Investors will receive 4% return on their investment as well as income and inheritance tax relief, plus the opportunity to kick start further local green energy schemes.

Work at Shoreham Port began at the weekend with the erection of safety rails around roof edges. Over the last few days installers NRG Renewables have been putting roof bolts in place. These bolts form the basis of the framing structures which will then hold the solar panels.

The frames are due to be completed early next week,the solar panels will then arrive on site, ready to be put in place.

The process will then continue with DC wiring connected to the systems inverters, which then allow the entire system to be connected to the grid.

The site is visible from the Brighton to Shoreham seafront road (it’s opposite a BP garage as you pass the port): do go and take a look and see how things are progressing!