People driving past Scotland Farm may have noticed a series of large rectangular panels taking up different positions. These are photo-voltaic (PV) panels and they are the first installation of such steerable panels in this country. The panels are programmed to follow the sun or to find the brightest parts of the sky and, as a result, they generate about 35% more electricity than fixed panels, such as those on an increasing number of roofs in the village.
James Peck, the managing 
director of PX Farms, has carried out much research into renewable energy use and other farm technologies. The system chosen for the farm can be controlled and monitored from a smart phone. The farm receives the Feed-in Tariffs for the electricity generated by the PV system, at a lower level than for domestic systems, and much of the electricity generated is used in the new grain drying facility. Sometimes the panels are seen in the horizontal position when the wind is above a certain strength. They will still generate electricity then but at a lower rate. James is willing to consider other renewable energy projects, in which the village might also participate. A small wind turbine is a possibility; but this would require an investment of well over £100,000 and the returns could be less than for the PV system. For further information on the PV installation, see http://www.pxfarms.com/index.php/new-news .
