A SOLAR farm operator is seeking to meet local businesses to help develop the site near Alresford.

Beta Solar was recently granted permission to build one of Hampshire’s first solar farms, on farmland at Bishop’s Sutton. Construction starts next month (JAN).

The developers are keen to maximise the opportunity for local businesses and are hosting a “Meet the Buyer” afternoon on Tuesday, January 7, at Bishop's Sutton village hall from 3-6pm.

They want to meet local businesses and individuals who are interested in supplying or working for the farm.

It may be of interest to:

  • Electrical engineers, electrical supplies, maintenance;
  • Civil engineers, plant hire;
  • Security (system installation and 24-hour response);
  • Telecoms & maintenance;
  • Hotels and bed & breakfasts;
  • Food & catering, site facilities;
  • Groundsmen, landscaping, nursery plants;
  • Solar panel cleaning;
  • Fencing contractors;
  • Haulage, car hire.

Anyone interested in supplying the Bishop’s Sutton project, should register interest at: aalvarezv@opde.net.

Mark Candlish, director of the developer Solafields, said: “There is not much British manufacturing involved, but we are keen to use British engineers, landscapers, groundsmen, security telecoms all these sort of things.”

Solafields estimates the farm will create more than 100 jobs during construction (3-4 months) and three or four maintenance-related part-time jobs during operation.