Duryard PV Solar Panels project
The University of Exeter has installed ground mounted Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on University land close to Duryard Halls of Residence, adjacent the end of Cherry Tree Close and Woodleigh Close.
We connected the 1,800 solar panels to our electricity network this summer 2024. The new solar panels will generate over 1,000 MWh of clean energy per year (equivalent to providing electricity to over 250 domestic households) and save 225 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is playing a crucial role in the institution reaching its target of Carbon Net Zero by 2030 and supports our ambition in Strategy 2030 to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency. We have 1.3MW of PV on our existing roofs on campus. We plan to expand this across our remaining buildings in the next three to five years. We are also reviewing our land and building assets for potential solar panel sites.
The planning application to install Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on University land close to Duryard Halls of Residence was approved by Exeter City Council at a planning committee meeting in July 2023.
The University has submitted a planning application to Exeter City Council to determine whether the gravel track can remain. You can view the planning application on Exeter City Councils website, visit: https://publicaccess.exeter.gov.uk/online-applications/ The reference number for the application is: 24/0107/VOC
- To reduce the University’s reliance on fossil fuels and to support our ambition to be Net Zero by 2030.
- The new solar panels will generate over 1,000 MWh of clean energy per year (equivalent to providing electricity to over 250 domestic households) and save 225 tonnes of CO2 per year.
- We are reviewing our estate with a view to expand the generation of renewable energy on our buildings and land. We are already expanding solar panels on our buildings across our campuses and we are reviewing land for potential solar panel sites.
- The land at Duryard is south facing and an ideal slope to maximise the amount of solar energy that can be generated.
- The solar panels take up approximately a third of the northern field.
- The panels at the top of the field are angled at a reduced 10⁰ angle to limit the visual impact on neighbouring properties.
- We have conducted ecology and biodiversity surveys in the area. On this site protected habitats are confined to the perimeters of the site and mature tree belts that are avoided by the development. As part of the plans we will look to enhance the area by planting new trees (including orchard trees), cultivating local plant species, seeding the open part of the field and protecting the existing trees.
- A small electrical substation is installed in the southern end of the field to connect the solar panels directly in to the University’s campus electrical system. The substation is located over 100 metres from all buildings and located outside of tree root protection zones.
- The land is owned by the University of Exeter.
- There are no public rights of way across the University land. The University has proposed a permissive path as part of the scheme, if this can be made to work with the PV installation and adjacent landowners.
- The solar panels will be fenced off.
- We are currently in discussion with the Planning authority regarding retention of part or all of the access gravel track.
Project update
The installation and connection of the solar panels completed this summer 2024.
Planting and landscaping works will take place in autumn 2024 on the site.
We are currently in discussion with the Planning authority regarding retention of part or all of the access gravel track.
If you have any questions or queries about the project please email the project team at: campusdevelopment@exeter.ac.uk