Development Proposal
The proposed development essentially has two key component parts (with ancillary infrastructure such as access tracks, substation building, fencing etcetera); an array of solar panels and installation of a BESS facility.
Our plans are at an early stage but we have prepared an indicative site layout plan shown to the right which shows where the solar panels could be positioned. The design will evolve in response to consultation feedback and technical studies which will help to shape the design with the final layout dependent on a variety of factors, such as the environmental constraints and the specification of the solar panels.
The project could generate up to 80MW of electricity. That’s equivalent to the electricity demand of approximately *19,776 UK homes (*Average solar PV load factor, unchanged configuration basis, 2017-2021 inclusive [DUKES, BEIS 2022, table 6.3] is 11.0%, 8,760 hours per year, average household, temperature corrected electricity consumption in 2021 was 3,898 kWh/pa (Energy Consumption in the UK, BEIS).
The electricity generated at source will connect on-site to the electricity network. Batteries will store electricity which can then be released into the grid network at peak times while providing additional grid flexibility services.
Solar Panels
The Solar Farm is expected to comprise:
Solar modules installed on a simple metal framework mounted on piles driven into the ground.
The metal frames and piles are temporary structures and can be removed once the site is decommissioned in the future.
The panels would have a maximum height of up to 3.3 m (existing ground levels would be unaltered).
A number of inverters, located across the site.
Battery Storage
The battery units will store energy to respond to peak demand and provide flexibility to the local grid. The battery storage facilities would comprise:
A number of battery storage containers within a fenced compound for safety and security
Batteries that meet recognised fire safety standards including automatic fire suppression technology
Switching stations (single story height) and associated electrical equipment
New hedge and / or tree planting would screen the battery facility from view
