Marlands
This project combines creating sustainable energy with nurturing an important meadow.
Our solar farm at Marlands has a capacity of 2.9MW. We’re also investing in the local biodiversity.
The construction of the solar farm was funded by Community Owned Renewable Energy LLP (CORE). Marlands receives no subsidy, so revenue depends on sales of electricity via Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Ownership transferred from CORE to YCE in late 2023.
The land is managed to encourage wildlife and biodiversity, with the creation of species-rich wildflower meadows around the panels. The landowner, Gnaton Farms, is a family enterprise with over 40 years of experience. They’re committed to ecology and biodiversity, including sowing many hectares of wildflower meadows and restoring ancient orchards.
The farm is part of Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme and has already given over 55 acres to meadows for bird food and nectar. The biodiversity improvements incorporated into the solar farm will help to build on this good work.
Our latest milestones
Annual Community Benefit Funding round
Calls for proposals from local organisations are made each year. 2024 awards have been made and the next call will be in February 2025 for applications to be made in april for energy and environment projects. For the details of the criteria and how to apply see https://www.yealmenergy.co.uk/documents
YCE Community Benefit fund has now closed for 2024 applications
Thank you to everyone who applied for a grant from YCE's Community Benefit fund. All applications will now be submitted to the committee for review. Announcements will be made in mid-June.
Only one week left till YCE's Community Benefit funding round closes.
Closing date for the 2024 round of Community Benefit funding is 21st April 2024. Good luck with your applications! Any applicant does need to show match funding. All guidance available on YCE's website.
YCE announces date of AGM
YCE invites all members to attend its first AGM as owners of 3 local solar farms. The AGM will be held on Tuesday 18th June 2024. 6pm start at Yealmpton Community Hall. Come and hear how busy the team have been on your behalf!
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We have made the news all over the UK today!
https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4166525/uk-solar-farms-transferred-community-ownership
YCE take ownership of 3 local solar farms.
YCE are delighted to announce completion of 3 local solar farms into community ownership. We would like to thank all of you that invested in our share offer to realise this long held ambition.
Share Offer is now closed.
A tremendous thank you to everyone who invested in YCE's share offer. The offer is now closed. YCE are delighted to have been able to secure the 3 local solar farms. What a journey this has been! We aim to complete on the purchases by the end of 2023.
Get involved
We launched a community share offer in 2023 to fund the transfer of three nearby operational solar farms into community ownership. The offer is now closed.
