New solar PV array to complement YnNi Teg’s existing wind turbine
In an exciting development for the community energy sector in Wales, YnNi Teg and our contractor Vital Energy, have completed construction and integration of a new solar PV farm with our existing wind turbine at Bwlchgwynt Farm, near Meidrim, Carms.
Marrying wind power that peaks in winter with sun power peaking in summer is a significant step forward in maximising the efficiency of clean energy production at a shared location. It also demonstrates how innovative solutions can overcome constraints on the electricity distribution network and is an exemplar for other community energy organisations in Wales.
Representatives from Welsh Government, the Ynni Teg staff and Board members, along with the landowner and contractor gathered together for an official launch by Mari Arthur, Chair of the Board.
A Collaborative Approach to Renewable Energy
Since its establishment in 2017, YnNi Teg has been a pioneer in community energy. The organisation operates a 900kW wind turbine at Bwlchgwynt Farm, commissioned in August 2017. The turbine generates 1,800–2,000 MWh of electricity annually—enough to power about 500 homes.
Now, by incorporating a solar array into this setup, YnNi Teg is expanding its renewable portfolio, demonstrating how wind and solar technologies can complement each other to maximise energy output. The innovative approach leverages the site’s existing grid connection to add 576kW of solar generation capacity.
Innovative Solutions to Grid Limitations
The capacity of the electricity distribution network, the ‘grid’, to accept new connections for renewable energy is very limited, so it’s essential to make the most of any secured capacity. At Bwlchgwynt, our grid connection has a 900kW export limit. Most of the time, the wind turbine operates below this limit, leaving “spare” capacity that can be utilised. By adding a solar array to the site, we can maximise the use of the existing connection without needing a new one, which would be difficult to secure.
To ensure we stay within the 900kW export limit, we comply with G100 regulations, which require active management of generation from all connected assets. At Bwlchgwynt, this means monitoring the output from both the wind turbine and the solar array. If necessary, the solar output will be reduced to ensure the total generation does not exceed the limit. This careful management allows us to use the grid efficiently and integrate additional renewable energy.
“This is a great example of how we can make the most of our renewable energy resources,” said Mari Arthur, Chair of the Board at YnNi Teg. “we’re able to add solar generation without needing a new grid connection, making the project both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. This is the route to building stronger local economies.”
Community-Focused Energy for the Future
As a Community Benefit Society, YnNi Teg is dedicated to reinvesting profits into local communities while supporting the broader development of the community energy sector. Income from the Bwlchgwynt turbine already contributes to paying interest to our members and funding local community projects such as Meidrim Community Council, Primary School, Church and Carmarthen Foodbank.
The new solar array will enhance this impact, generating additional clean energy and further strengthening the financial and environmental benefits for the community.
Looking Ahead
The Bwlchgwynt Solar Array is just the beginning of YnNi Teg’s broader ambitions. By successfully implementing this combined wind-and-solar project, the organisation hopes to promote similar initiatives across Wales, demonstrating how community energy projects can overcome technical challenges to deliver significant benefits.
“We see this as a blueprint for the future,” added Jon Townend, Executive Director at Ynni Teg. ‘’By combining technologies in this way to make the most efficient use of existing infrastructure, the community energy sector will continue to be an effective part of the transition to a cleaner, lower cost, energy future.’’
As wind and solar join forces at Bwlchgwynt Farm, YnNi Teg reaffirms its role as a leader in sustainable, community-focused energy innovation.
Ynni Teg is grateful to Welsh Government, the Energy Service and the Development Bank of Wales for their support in making this project happen.