Craignathro Solar Project

Renewable energy projects can often be complex and always require three essential elements:

Land;
Planning; and
Grid connection

The delivery of the Craignathro Solar project demonstrates our turnkey service solutions. In this case study, we will detail how we managed all three essential elements to transform an initial concept into a ready-to-build project.

Managing the complexities of renewable energy projects can be challenging. When Matthew Steel, Director of Craignathro Farms, envisioned developing his solar array, he turned to the Cogeo team. As an existing Cogeo client, Matthew trusted us to deliver a full-cycle service solution to support him from design through to construction.

Having already developed a turbine, roof-mounted solar, biomass, and a ground source heat pump (GSHP) at Craignathro Farm, his prior experience meant he knew the value of efficient delivery.

Having been charged with designing a ground-mounted solar array, our team set about delivering Matthew’s vision. To understand the process of developing a solar farm, we need to look in detail at the three essential elements of any renewable project; land, planning and grid.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

7.05 MW array - Complemented with three battery storage containers
CO₂ emissions saved - 3,406,347 kg/year
Installation costs - £3.8 million
On-site consumption - Providing power to the farm’s - hen sheds, potato stores, GSHP and biomass boiler fans
Grid connection date - Expected 2026

GALLERY

OUR EXPERTISE

Site Design
Topographic Survey
Planning Application
LVIA and Planting Plan
Glint and Glare Assessment
G99 Grid Connection

APPROACH & SOLUTIONS

Land

Underpinning good quality design is accurate information. Knowing the detail of a site allows work carried out at the planning stage to give a solid foundation to the construction element of the project. Too many times, we’ve seen solar sites require changes after planning because design assumptions did not translate into reality.

Any solar development needs an accurate topographic survey. This survey allows us to understand the site contours and maps out any areas unsuitable for development. We prioritise this survey to enable us to begin with a precise site design.

Accuracy is essential as the design directly translates into the other two key elements of the project: planning and grid.

Planning

By having an exact design, we can focus on critical planning and environmental considerations. Without this, design becomes an assumption-based process, and this gives rise to two risks:

Delayed construction due to required planning amendments.
Operational impacts to the development and wider area which can lead to enforcement action.

At Craignathro we utilised the accurate design, made possible by our understanding of the land, to provide detailed mitigation for key planning considerations. For landscape, glint & glare, noise and drainage we provided correct and meaningful assessments with certainty that the project could be delivered as designed.

The importance of clarity during the planning process was integral to completing the third essential element of the project; obtaining a grid connection. Completing this in parallel with the planning process ensured a coordinated and efficient delivery of a ready-to-build project.

Grid

The detailed site design allowed for precise, early discussions regarding the grid connection.

It was vital what could be achieved in terms of planning consent, could be connected to the network.

The Cogeo Site Services team worked closely with our Lead Project Consultants to align the grid and planning timelines, ensuring we could combine all elements into a viable project.

OUTCOME

With the grid connection secured, Matthew continues working with Cogeo towards an energisation date of 2026.

By coordinating and managing the three essential elements, Cogeo delivered the project and the array is ready for construction in 2026.