SWINDON’s biggest solar farm to date was officially opened by the town’s mayor yesterday afternoon.

Located at Roves Farm, the site will now generate nearly 12.5 megawatts of power, enough to power 3,500 homes over the next 25 years.

Permission for the site was initially given five years ago but following a number changes in the industry the project was postponed.

However, it is now more efficient than first planned and Roves Farm owner Rupert Burr says it will add to the site.

He said: “It’s a big relief to have it all up and working. I’ve been working in renewable energy for over 20 years and this is the first really serious project we’ve managed to get away in all that time.

“We are going to spend a lot of time in the coming years explaining to people what it is we’re doing here and it will be part of the visitor experience. Farming is diversifying. The countryside isn’t just about producing food but the both can work together.

“All the people that come here do not even know it is here. The panels have been coming since November. People have been driving within 100 yards of it and they haven’t seen it.”

The site is run by Green Hedge, which is currently operates several other solar farms in the area.

Managing director Niels Kroninger says working with the community in a responsible way has helped keep people onside with solar farms in Swindon.

He said: “You have to design a solar farm in a responsible way. You don’t want something that cannot be farmed and looks industrial in the countryside,” he said.Secondly, It is important to involve the local community and telling them what your plans are. They know the area better so they can help you.”

Several years ago, the council set itself the target of having every home in Swindon powered by renewable energy and has recently introduced development orders to make the construction of solar farms far less cumbersome.

The Cabinet member for sustainability, Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), said: “Swindon Council has cross-party support in how we approach renewable energy and some of the things we are trying to do are very different to other local authorities.

“It is good news that we continue to have solar farms done right. Places like Roves Farm have taken into account the comments of local residents so we have the support of the local community."

“We are trying to embed in developers to work with us more collaboratively.”