A day on a solar farm: Inspiring the Next Generation
Site visit to Balls Wood solar farm (Sept 2024)
In my role as an Educational Consultant for Earth Energy Education, I wanted to share my experience of taking 30 students from Ivybridge Community College on an exciting visit to Balls Wood Solar Farm. As someone passionate about experiential learning, I truly believe there’s nothing quite like getting out of the classroom to explore sustainability in action.
The goal for the visit? To spark curiosity about renewable energy and biodiversity while showing students how solar farms contribute to tackling the climate crisis. Here’s what we got up to and why this kind of hands-on learning is so impactful.
Exploring Solar Power in Action
We started the day with a summary of how solar farms work. These chats are very important to set the tone of the visit and are always targeted at the appropriate level for the age of the students. We organise site visits for students in reception right up to school leavers and college/university so it’s important to tailor the visit accordingly so the students get the most out of the information.
The highlight as always was hearing from a solar farm Operations and Maintenance Engineer. He shared his career journey, offering a real-life perspective on working in the renewable energy sector.
It’s always inspiring for students to meet professionals in the field—it makes the idea of joining the industry feel achievable.
Up Close with the Technology
Next, we toured the farm, and the engineer was on hand to answer the students’ questions. They loved getting to examine some example solar panels up close and learning fascinating facts like:
How solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days.
The journey electricity takes from the farm to our homes.
The role of energy storage in balancing supply and demand.
This hands-on look at the technology made a big impression, helping students see how it all works in the real world.
Discovering Biodiversity
The visit wasn’t just about technology—there was plenty of time to explore nature too. Armed with quadrats, bug pots, and ID sheets, the students investigated the rich biodiversity on-site. Among the highlights:
Spotting a variety of plants and insects thriving around the panels.
Discovering two beehive collections managed by a local beekeeper.
We even had a lively discussion about the importance of buying local products, like honey, to reduce food miles and support the economy.
What Did the Students Take Away?
By the end of the visit, the students had learned:
Solar power is essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Careers in renewable energy are exciting, accessible, and growing fast.
Biodiversity and energy production can go hand in hand to create a sustainable future.
Why These Visits Matter
I firmly believe that getting students out of the classroom and onto solar farms is invaluable. These experiences bring abstract concepts to life, giving students the chance to see renewable energy in action, meet inspiring professionals, and ask meaningful questions. It’s all about planting the seeds for a future where they can picture themselves as part of the solution.
Get Involved!
If you’re a teacher or know someone who might be interested, why not contact us to find out more? https://www.earthenergyeducation.com/
This kind of experience could be just what your students need to ignite their passion for sustainability—and who knows? You might just inspire the next generation of environmental innovators!
Key facts:
The UK’s Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE) saw a 15% increase in employment and a 24% increase in turnover in 2022 (ONS.gov.uk).
Around 27% of adults in Great Britain reported that part of their job involves "green" activities (May 2023).