THE National Grid has responded to comments made by the Devon branch of the Campaign of Rural England (CPRE) relating to the temporary shut down of Derril Water Solar Farm.

It had been confirmed that the controversial solar farm at Pyworthy, near Holsworthy was to be closed down over the summer due to issues related to Alverdiscott Substation in Barnstaple.

It came after a message from the co-operative which runs the solar farm told members that it was told to shut down the solar farm in order to prevent a network overload.

In a letter sent to its members on May 26, the Board of Derril Water Solar Co-op described "an unexpected electricity grid issue" requiring the solar farm and other renewable generators to shut down "to prevent potential network overload".

The problem has been triggered by works being carried out at the transmission network substation at Alverdiscott, near Barnstaple with information received so far indicates that the curtailment could remain in place throughout the summer and potentially until early September.

This would mean that the potential financial benefits of the scheme operating over its first summer would be severely curtailed by the fact that it would not be permitted to operate.

The National Grid have said that the issue relates to a wider network configuration issue and constraints on the existing system as opposed to any specific issue with solar generation.

A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said: “We’re aware of temporary constraints affecting some generators connected in North Devon.

“These are linked to wider network conditions and ongoing works on the electricity system. We are working closely with the National Energy System Operator to manage the impact locally.

“We recognise this is frustrating for those affected and we are engaging directly with customers to keep them updated.”