Plans have been unveiled for Tayside’s first major “solar farm” which would harness the power of the sun to provide power for 5,500 homes.
A 100-acre greenfield site in the Carse of Gowrie has been identified as an ideal spot for the installation of 70,000 free-standing, static solar photovoltaic (PV) panels which would generate power for the national grid.
No large scale solar PV sites have yet been constructed in Scotland, though permission had been granted to two one in Lothian and another in Grampian.
The proposal for land at Errol Estate has met with a muted response locally with people saying they want to learn more about the project before forming an opinion.
That opportunity will be available at a public exhibition in West Carse Public Hall, Main Street, Glencarse, on Wednesday October 2 from 4.30pm to 7pm.
An invitation has been extended by the company behind the proposal, Bristol-based Elgin Energy, in advance of their submitting a planning application.
They have written to local people, MSPs, councillors and the Errol and West Carse Community Council inviting them to attend.
The application site is located on land owned by the Errol Estate, to the south east of St Madoes and Chapelhill.
“The photovoltaic panels will continue to generate electricity every day of the year for a project lifespan of 25 years,” said project engineer Ronan Clarke.
“The proposal will not result in any detrimental harm to the site or surrounding area.
“There will be no permanent loss of agricultural land, rather the development represents an opportunity for diversification of agricultural land to accommodate solar PV panels.
“After 25 years the land will be returned to its original condition.
“The site benefits from existing topography and landscaping that will assist in screening the development.
“A landscape and visual impact assessment is being undertaken to identify any additional landscaping which would be beneficial.”
Mr Clarke said that construction would last four months and limited noise would occur during this phase.
MSP Murdo Fraser, a harsh critic of windfarms, felt this form of renewable energy might be more palatable to the public.
“Solar energy has proven to work well on small privately owned installations,” said the MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife. “Plans for larger installations have the potential to be just as successful.
“Solar energy schemes are traditionally less obtrusive than other forms of renewable energy.”
David Strachan, chairman of West Carse Community Council, said they would not form a stance before the public exhibition.