A MAJOR employer in Fenland hopes to install more than 600 solar panels on its roof to generate enough electricity to run the equivalent of 35 three-bedroom homes a year.

Cambs Times: Greenvale’s roof looks before solar panels are installedGreenvale’s roof looks before solar panels are installed (Image: Archant)

Greenvale, which grows and packages potatoes from its base at Floods Ferry, hopes to install 638 solar panels on the roof of its existing building.

In 25 years the power generated would be enough to run 552 aeroplane flights from the UK to Australia - 5,300,000 miles - according to paperwork being submitted for approval to Fenland District Council.

Greenvale hopes the massive investment on solar panels will provide huge environmental and economic benefits to the business.

A statement within its report says: “The development will help to lower the energy bill of Greenvale thereby improving the profitability of the business helping to secure the existing jobs.”

Fenland District Council hopes to provide an additional 7,200 jobs by the year 2031 and Greenvale says that by ensuring the sound economic future of the firm they can guarantee jobs for local people.

The proposed development would not be visible from ground floor level, according to a report, as they will be mounted one metre from the edge of the roof and raised no more than 20cm above the existing roof profile.

It is proposed that the panels will be mounted in a regular grid pattern on the east and western slopes of the existing building

A report prepared for Greenvale by PlanSurv chartered surveyors said: “The proposed development will generate renewable energy for use by a locally important employer, which plays a key role in the local agricultural economy.

“No harm to residential or visual amenity will result from the development.”