A new solar array has opened at Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire as part of work to improve energy resilience across the Army estate.
The installation is expected to generate around 1.7 GWh of electricity a year, enough to power approximately 630 average UK homes.
The solar array covers 2.5 hectares, more than three football pitches, and includes more than 4,000 photovoltaic panels.
 
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The Defence Infrastructure Organisation said the project will provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy to support the garrison’s day-to-day operations.
Any surplus electricity will be redistributed through a private wire network to neighbouring camps at Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down.
The array is also expected to offset around 352 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year, contributing to the UK’s net zero targets.
Solar capacity at Larkhill has increased this year through the new ground-mounted solar array and four additional rooftop installations.
As a result, the garrison achieved regular self-sufficiency during peak daylight hours for 73 days and exported surplus energy to Bulford Camp.
The project was delivered by Aspire Defence Services Ltd on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
It was funded through the Army’s Project Prometheus, which is rolling out rooftop and ground-mounted solar technology across suitable sites on the Army estate.
The official opening was attended by Army and Defence leaders responsible for sustainability policy, strategy and infrastructure.
Major General AJ Smith CBE, director of basing and infrastructure and the Army’s sustainability champion, said: “This project shows what is possible when we invest in practical, scalable renewable energy. By growing our green energy supply we are building an Army estate that is more sustainable and resilient, and better able to support operational capability.”
James Clare, director of energy, environment and infrastructure at the Ministry of Defence, said: “This project shows the practicable benefits of investing in scalable energy solutions. By increasing our renewable energy capacity, we are reducing costs, enhancing estate resilience, and supporting a more sustainable and operationally effective estate.”
Warren Webster, DIO major programmes and projects programme director for the Army, said: “Solar arrays are already generating significant electricity for several Army sites with more to come. The work at Larkhill and more widely not only provides the Army with sustainable future energy solutions but supports a more resilient Defence.”
Allan Thomson, chief executive officer of Aspire Defence Ltd, said: “This project represents an important step in supporting more sustainable, resilient infrastructure across the estate and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering long-term value for our Army customer and the environment. We are proud to have enabled this programme for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and helping to drive meaningful progress towards a lower-carbon future across Defence.”
The solar array has been built on unused green space within Larkhill Garrison and includes a butterfly conservation area to encourage biodiversity.
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