17-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys company launches one of UK's highest solar sites
A renewable energy company in Machynlleth has launched a project believed to be the highest elevated solar panel array in the UK.
Bro Dyfi Community Renewables (BDCR), a community-owned energy cooperative from Machynlleth, has officially launched its solar photovoltaic (PV) array, located on Mynydd Glandulas.
The ground mounted solar panels are believed to be the highest-elevation ground-mounted solar installation currently operational in the UK.
The initial 55kWp of energy generated by the solar array is being routed to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), while the remaining 250kWp will be exported to the grid.
Mike Phillips, Chair of BDCR's Board, said: 'This solar array is more than just panels and power—it's a symbol of what communities can achieve when they take climate action into their own hands.
'We're proud to be pushing the boundaries of what's possible for community energy in the UK.'
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The array's elevated location is designed to maximize solar exposure for the panels, meaning they will get the largest possible amount of sunlight, but also sets what BDCR call 'a new benchmark' for community-owned high-altitude solar generation in the country.
The site is located alongside an existing Nordtank wind turbine by BDCR, with the array of solar panels marking a major milestone in the cooperative's mission to generate clean, locally owned energy.
The company says the project will boost BDCR's total installed capacity to approximately 875kWp, significantly increasing its contribution to carbon reduction in the Dyfi Valley and beyond.
The project was made possible through support from the Welsh Government's Local Energy Grant and Preparatory Grant schemes, which was put together with the Development Bank of Wales, funding from the Mid Wales Community Energy Trust, to support the work of BDCR's volunteer-led team.
