A NEW allotment in Wokingham borough has gone green.
Solar panels have been installed there to power gardening equipment and other tools.
The site off Ifould Crescent, on the Montague Park estate in Wokingham town, opened in the spring and has now welcomed its first plot holders.
David Wilson Homes built the growing area and Wokingham Borough Council has provided a source of sustainable power in the form of two solar panels that store energy from the sun.
The energy is stored in high-density batteries which power four electrical points and two USB sockets inside and outside of a tool shed.
Power is available 24 hours a day, and the system is fully off-grid, using no energy from outside sources.
Allotment plot holders can power a communal rechargeable lawnmower, a communal kettle and can recharge their mobile phones while onsite.
Compostable toilets are also planned for the site.
These discharge waste into the ground where it safely decomposes without using power, a water connection or chemicals.
“The sustainable energy project at these new allotments is a fantastic way of demonstrating how solar power can be used in creative ways that benefit whole communities,” said Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services.
“When we think of solar power, we traditionally think of powering homes and businesses. “This project shows how it can be used successfully in less obvious ways, to further reduce our reliance on more harmful energy sources.
“I look forward to seeing how this project progresses and hope it can be replicated in other allotments across the borough.”
The council will monitor the progress of this system and if beneficial will roll out similar setups in its other allotments.
For more information email: sarah.kerr@wokingham.gov.uk
