Ransomwood Solar PV Installation

The development was for  2118 ground mounted solar panels and the erection of a 2.5m high security fence for  Ransomwood Estates Ltd.  

The site was originally developed to accommodate Ransomwood TB Hospital in the interwar years. The old wards were demolished due to mining subsidence and the admin offices and accommodation refurbished to modern standards. In 2002 the first new build office of 20,000 ft2 took place to be followed in 2004 by a further 10,000ft office and 5,000ft restaurant and conference centre.  Thereafter the new access was installed at a cost of circa £600,000. Once completed building commenced on the 35,000ft headquarters for Nottinghamshire NHS which was built with a BREEAM excellent rating.  A nursery has since been established on site which is attended by 60 infants.

The total area of offices is now of 110,000 ft2 and uses 1.3 megawatts of electricity. With over 500 people employed on site including the NHS and West Notts College there is a need to develop energy security and Ransomwood Estates have spent two years researching various forms of alternative energy.  The most favourable, cost effective, with non-moving parts and sustainable as well as being unobtrusive to the environment and local population, is solar energy. 

The capacity is 540 kWp which will be laid out over three acres and should generate 477,900.00 kilowatt hours.  The proposed site of the new solar farm was environmentally sensitive been located close to Sherwood Forest. Several environmental surveys had to be undertaken as part of the application process which included a full environmental impact survey, tree survey, wild bird survey and reptile survey. An environmental management plan had to be drawn up and agreed with the EA so show how the site would be managed going forward.

Contract Period 12 weeks

Contract Value not disclosed.