Oldham’s first large-scale solar farm, Wrigley Head Solar Farm in Failsworth, is close to completion and will soon begin generating renewable electricity. Built on previously unused council-owned land that was unsuitable for housing and had suffered from fly-tipping, the project has transformed the site into a productive source of clean energy.
Once operational, the solar farm will generate up to 888kW of power and produce around 830,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough to supply approximately 310 homes. The energy will initially be fed into the local electricity network, creating income for Oldham Council.
Delivered by Vital Energi, the project is the Council’s first major local energy generation scheme. It has also provided learning and career opportunities for local young people through work placements and educational sessions about the renewable energy sector.
In addition to generating clean energy, the project includes ecological improvements along the Moston Brook Green Corridor, with new planting to enhance wildlife habitats and wildlife-friendly fencing to maintain animal movement through the area.