A couple from West Wales has succeeded in obtaining funds to expand their farm and go off-grid.
According to a report, farming couple Geraint and Christine Thomas received funding from Triodos Bank U.K. to improve their camping and caravan site called “Bargoed Farm.
The 80-acre property in Llwyncelyn, Aberaeron has more than 50 hardstanding pitches that are serviced, some even with hot tubs.
The aid will enable the installation of new solar panels as well as battery storage, which will allow Bargoed Farm to get and store most of its energy from renewable sources. This will then allow the farm to be off-grid and reduce energy costs.
Geraint Thomas told the local report that the business’ goal to achieve net zero is a key element of its plans and that they are “excited” to be one step closer to this goal by increasing its solar energy source.
The funds will also be used to help finance the transformation of outbuildings on farms to self-contained holiday homes which is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023. According to the report, it is expected that the accommodations will be accessible to tourists as well as in wedding and event packages.
Since being established as a camping and caravan park in 2016, the Bargoed Farm has expanded its operation by incorporating a Moody Cow farm shop and bistro that sells locally sourced beverages and food items that are loved by locals and tourists alike.
In the summer of 2021, Moody Calf, an extremely popular indoor kids’ play center was added, followed by the Ysgubor wedding and event venue introduced in January this year.
The holiday destination is also expanding soon with the Posh Cow wine and coffee bar set to open soon.
“…We’re set in a beautiful part of the Welsh countryside, and we hope our new accommodation will help encourage people to visit the area and enjoy everything it has to offer,” Thomas said.
This story originally appeared on Wales247.