Renewables at Dartington

At Dartington, a significant proportion of our energy is produced via renewables, in the form of two 950kw biomass boilers and a 500kh(p) solar-PV array.

It’s all part of Dartington’s commitment to clean energy, and our investment in these technologies has reduced our carbon emissions by 725 tonnes and fuel bills by £160,000 each year.

Biomass boiler

Our 950kW Viessmann biomass boilers, which were installed by Aston Cord Energy Services Ltd, provide heat to the listed medieval Courtyard buildings, The Green Table café and the The Granary building opposite, our Higher Close building, and all the accommodation blocks surrounding Higher Close.

The Dartington estate was previously home to a large number of oil-fired boilers costing upwards of £350,000 a year to run – with half of this sum required to heat the Grade I listed medieval Courtyard containing the oldest and largest buildings on the estate. The new biomass boilers cut our carbon emissions by 400 tonnes, and help save us £80,000 a year. All our woodchip is sourced sustainably from near Frome, Somerset using offcut wood.

 

Gallery: How does our biomass boiler work?

Solar array

Dartington’s solar-PV array was installed by Molesolar Plus. It is expected that 77% of the electricity generated will meet 30% of the estate’s needs through its existing high voltage distribution network.

The remaining 23% of electricity will be contributed to the national grid. The array, which is positioned in a field on the north of Upper Drive just beyond a row of estate homes, is set to cut Dartington’s carbon emissions by 325 tonnes and save the Trust £80,000 a year.

Dartington aims to graze sheep in the field so panels have been raised at the lower end to allow sheep to pass under them. The AC/DC inverters will be protected by fencing to prevent the sheep gaining access and damaging the equipment.

Sign up for our emails

Password must contain at least 8 characters.
I confirm I am happy to receive marketing emails from The Dartington Hall Trust, containing news, events and special offers. I understand that in creating an account I am agreeing to the Terms and Conditions for this website. I understand that I can change my preferences at any time by visiting My Account.
Previous Next
Close
Test Caption
Test Description goes like this

Pin It on Pinterest