Development FAQs

A solar farm is an area that houses rows of photovoltaic solar panels. The panels capture sunlight and generate renewable energy.

Electrical equipment installed with the panels collects power and exports it to the grid network, or direct to corporate users through a Power Purchase Agreement or private wire.

Solar parks need between 3-4 acres per installed MW of electricity generation. This depends upon land characteristics such as topography, drainage and existing access requirements. 

If you own land and want to explore solar or battery project potential, please contact us. We can arrange an initial feasibility assessment.

Closed landfill sites are ideal for solar projects. These may have an existing grid connection, which could accelerate development.

Landfill sites are challenging to develop, and often have low commercial value; but with the right partner, they offer untapped development potential. This provides an opportunity for landowners to realise income, defer future restoration liabilities and support job creation.

Developing solar farms on landfill frees up other land for use in more varied ways.

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing wildlife. Solar farms are key to decarbonize our energy system and help combat the effects of climate change.

All solar projects understand the local ecology and are designed to integrate with this. Importantly, solar sits on top of the land - retaining the natural habitat, unlike most other developments. Each project must demonstrate a biodiversity net gain - creating opportunities to improve areas for local wildlife.

Solar farms give land a breather from agricultural use and allow soils to regenerate. We can also grow different plant species to provide high-quality habitats for insects, birds and animals.

Solar glare (light glinting off solar panels) can be a concern for local communities. But panel designs capture solar energy. Panels are much less reflective than many other surfaces, such as water, snow or white concrete.

Planners and developers consider glare impacts when they build solar farms. They can employ extra measures, such as added hedgerow planting or relocating panels, if needed.

Battery storage projects operate just like the battery in your phone. When charging or in use, they get warmer; when not in use, they naturally cool down. 

There some extra safety benefits associated with battery projects:

• They have a built-in cooling system, which works to keep the battery cool (like air conditioning)
• All projects have a fire suppression system, should this ever be needed.

There is no reliable evidence that living near a solar park affects property value.

Lots of factors affect property markets – such as access to jobs, schools and amenities. While some people may not like the idea of living close to a solar park, others will have no concerns.

Solar projects are low-lying developments with zero emissions, and operate quietly. This makes them community-friendly compared to many other development types.

Solar parks typically make minimal difference to flood risk. Drainage will work as it did before the solar park existed.

Developers conduct detailed flood risk assessments when planning solar parks and designs are adapted to manage this if required. For example, plans could include holding ponds or extra drainage systems.

Solar farms do not generate high noise levels. Solar panels are silent when they capture light and generate power. Some electrical equipment emits low levels of sound, for example from inverters.

In sensitive locations, such as close to homes or schools, solar farm design includes noise modelling. This ensures there are no unacceptable impacts. The planning system controls this during the life of the solar farm.

Battery energy storage systems do not generate high levels of noise and ss batteries are flexible generation, they don't operate all the time.

Our careful design process ensures that noise levels at any nearby sensitive receptors (such as homes or schools) are acceptable in line with the relevant planning standards and requirements.

Completed solar projects typically operate for around 40 years.

As the owner-operator of the project, we remove the equipment and restore the land to its original condition.

Where possible, we will look for ways to re-use or recycle equipment, including donations to local communities where suitable.