A 10MW council-owned solar farm has started producing electricity.
The 60-acre site near Triangle Farm in Soham is the second and last solar project funded through the first Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction to go into operation.
The first was Charity Farm in Shropshire.
The solar farm was one of three projects to go ahead following the auction, delivering renewable electricity at a price of £79.23/MWh.
It will produce enough power to supply 3,500 homes – this electricity will be sold by the council to fund its frontline services, contribute to other renewable projects and support the wider community. Once loans are paid off the annual profit will rise from £350,000 to £1 million, the council states.
The panels are intended to remain in place for at least 25 years.
Cambridgeshire County Councillor Steve Count said: “When I talk to our communities they are rightly keen that we spend our money wisely and by finding a way to create income, these extra millions can be spent on much used frontline services.
“This County Council project is a great investment as it means we are producing renewable energy and income while reducing the need to either make cuts or ask our residents to make it up through taxes.”