Solar panels plan for Ellesmere supermarket

Tesco in Canal Way, has applied to Shropshire Council to install the panels as part of a national project it is rolling out to generate enough power for 140,000 homes.

The supermarket has applied to council planners to build the panels across the roof of the store – with the panels being invisible to nearby properties.

It follows an announcement by the chain last month that it is looking to install solar panels on 187 of its sites.

Nationally, the project will also include a ground-mounted solar farm and five onshore wind farms. In total, the new projects will generate enough power for the equivalent of 140,000 homes.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK chief executive officer, said that the project represented a “major milestone” in the company’s plans to use 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.

“Our supply chain and long-term business sustainability depend on the health of the natural environment,” he said.

“Our customers and colleagues expect Tesco to play its part in caring for the planet.”

Regulations

In its application, the firm says: “A solar photovoltaic system will be situated on the superstore as per the submitted plan.

“The building is bordered in the south and west by residential properties in Canal Way, to the north by New Wharf Road and to the east by the Shropshire Union Canal.

“The closest residential properties are located circa 60m to the south west of the site.

“The proposed system would be installed to regulations.

“The solar PV panels will be mounted on a mounting rail system and would not project more than one metre above the highest point on the roof. The panels project approximately 0.4m above roof plane.

“The panels will be installed at a low pitch and set back from the edge of the roof. The system will not be visible to surrounding receptors.”

The plans will be decided upon in the coming weeks.