PLANS for a floating solar park on a north Cumbrian reservoir have been lodged.

United Utilities Water Limited wants to install an array of solar panels on the surface of the reservoir at Castle Carrock which supplies water to Carlisle.

The proposed development would cover an area of more than five acres and have an output of 0.75MW.

It is expected to generate about 637,500 kW hrs of electricity annually, enough to power the equivalent of 190 homes.

But any electricity generated would be fully consumed by United Utilities to cover the increase in electrical needs of the water treatment works, which provides drinking water and waste water services.

Neil Carroll, United Utilities’ energy manager, said: “We want to keep our customers’ bills affordable, and play a part in a low carbon economy.

“One way of doing this is to use more renewable energy to power our plants and machinery.”

United Utilities wants to start the work in the early part of next year.

The company is requesting a Lawful Development Certificate from Carlisle City Council to confirm the proposed development does not require planning permission.

The council explained that part of the process is to reach a decision based on the background information provided by United Utilities but that the planning department will also consider planning history of the site.

“If we disagree, planning approval may be sought through the normal planning procedures,” said a council spokeswoman.

The technology, a Hydrelio System, would be installed by French energy company Ciel & Terre which has been working on floating photovoltaic plant development for the past three years.

Panels will be south-facing, at an incline of 12 degrees and would sit half a metre above the water level.

The panels and anchoring system is said to be resistant to wind speeds of up to 118mph. It will either be secured by anchors to the bed of the reservoir or fixed to anchor points around its edge.

Components of the floating solar array will be made remotely and brought to the site in 10 lorry loads.

It will be built in an open space adjacent to the reservoir and each individual float component, weighing 9kg, will be launched by hand.

Construction for a site like this is expected to take about eight weeks.

United Utilities says there will be minimal visual impact because of the low height of the panels and the presence of surrounding trees and vegetation.

Mr Carroll said: “The panels are actually very unobtrusive once on the water and we think it’s a great use of space.

“This scheme will show that water and electricity actually can mix, and will help us work more smartly, for the benefit of the environment and our customers.”

Ciel & Terre claims floating solar parks generate more electricity than rooftop or ground mounted systems of the same size and that water evaporation can be reduced also.

It would also save about 288 tonnes of CO2 per annum, a total of 7,204 tonnes in its 25-year life.