19 Aug 2025
Bodenham Arboretum is making progress towards bolstering its energy efficiency by installing solar panels. The project, due for completion this Autumn, is also considered a major part of its commitment to lower the Arboretum’s carbon footprint by adopting a renewable energy source.
The system, designed and currently being installed by Shrewsbury based ESP Energy, will generate 162 kilo watts per hour / 135,000 kilo watts annually. The 292 solar panels will be installed on the barn roofs, minimising the visual impact on the surroundings. `
James Binnian, owner of Bodenham Arboretum said, ‘We have been looking at improving the sustainability of our operations whilst reducing the impact on the environment for some time. Running a busy Visitor Centre / 100 seat Restaurant / Kitchen, with ever increasing electricity costs, we must make sure that energy is used efficiently; in peak periods of electricity use, it is not unusual for our monthly electricity bill to hit £5.5k.
“Not only do solar panels offer fantastic financial benefits, they also reduce our reliance on the grid which relies heavily on fossil fuels to generate energy, so the environmental benefits are just as good.”
James added, “However, first and foremost, we had to request permission from the Government’s National Heritage Department who had awarded the Arboretum ‘Heritage’ status in 1995. Only when we had received their approval were we able to progress.”
According to ESP Energy, Bodenham’s system will reduce their CO2 emissions by 34 tons per year. Over its lifetime – 25 years, it is also predicting that the energy saved will be the equivalent of just over 1,000,000 km of car travel or 718 long haul flights. Alternatively, it will have had the same benefit of having planted just under 6,500 trees.
Ross Collison, Director at ESP Energy commented, ‘We’re excited about the potential this installation holds for Bodenham Arboretum. The investment seems a natural progression for them. Furthermore, we have worked diligently to ensure that our renewable energy installation blends seamlessly with the landscape.”
The installation is due for completion during Autumn – whilst the daylight hours will be shorter during this season the solar panels will still prove to be a viable source of energy.