Solar developer Quintas Cleantech, and community groups Energise South Downs, Energy Alton and Community Energy South, are proud to unveil plans for Caker Stream Solar Farm, a groundbreaking renewable energy project between Alton, Farringdon and Selborne. What makes this project unique in Hampshire is its commitment to provide shared community ownership, offering local residents the opportunity to invest in and own up to 10% of the solar farm.
Catriona Cockburn, CEO, Energise South Downs, said: “Our vision is a vibrant, green local landscape where clean, community-owned energy is accessible to everyone! Community energy plays a critical role in achieving the UK’s net zero emissions, it creates a more sustainable, resilient and equitable energy system while driving local engagement. The community benefits from this project can be used to support local renewable energy projects that meet local needs, deliver energy efficiency measures and tackle fuel poverty.”
John Hubbard, Chairman, Energy Alton, said: “Caker Stream Solar Farm is set to be one of the first ‘shared ownership’ solar projects of this scale in England so we’re excited to be part of it. We’ve been working in partnership with Energise South Downs to develop significant community renewable energy capacity in the area and together we will be managing the community investment in the solar farm. It will be empowering for local people to have a stake in the solar farm.”
Community Energy South, a highly experienced non-profit group, will support and advise the two local community groups who will be investing in the solar farm.
Ollie Pendered, CEO, Community Energy South, said: “Public consultation is vital to shaping this project, and we value the input of local people. Join one of our events to discover how the Caker Stream Solar Farm can support local sustainability and give residents a meaningful role in local energy production.”
Shirine Azzi, Head of UK Development, Quintas Cleantech, said: “The government has pledged to make Britain a ‘clean energy superpower,’ promising to lower energy bills, create jobs, and deliver secure, zero-carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating the journey to net zero. Caker Stream represents an exciting opportunity for local people and we’re enthusiastic about the potential for shared ownership to deliver strong local benefits and build a positive long-lasting relationship with the community.”
The solar farm will generate 44MW of clean electricity, enough to power the equivalent of approximately 15,150 homes annually, while avoiding 10,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will:
- Aim to offer up to 10% community investment, giving local residents a direct ownership stake in the project
- Establish a substantial community benefit fund managed by the community to support other local measures to tackle the climate and nature crises – such as energy efficiency, fuel poverty, and tree planting
- Continue agricultural use on the land, by grazing sheep, while delivering strong biodiversity improvements
- Include battery storage to ensure power is available when it is needed most
Caker Stream Solar Farm will be a time-limited development of up to 40 years, after which the land will be returned to its original use. The site avoids high-grade agricultural land, and existing hedgerows will be enhanced to screen the project from the South Downs National Park and other viewpoints.
Identified as the only suitable area for large-scale solar in East Hampshire’s 2018 Low Carbon Study, this location takes advantage of Hampshire’s excellent sunlight levels while leveraging existing and planned infrastructure to connect to the electricity grid.
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