The Project

The Solar Park

The main elements of the solar park would include:   

  • Solar photovoltaic panels and ground-mounting structures: panels are positioned directly on the ground to convert the sun’s energy into electricity that will then be exported to the grid via an underground cable. We anticipate using a combination of fixed and tracker panels. The tracker panels (including their supports) could have a maximum height up to 4.5 metres.

Illustrative diagram of the components of a typical solar farm.

Solar PV – additional design considerations 

Solar PV technology is advancing quickly. To ensure we can incorporate the most current technology when we begin construction, our development consent application will be designed to be flexible.

When it comes to our application, we will therefore seek a consent that restricts aspects of the solar park which have potential environmental impacts including: 

  • Solar panel height 

  • Dimensions of the infrastructure i.e. onsite substations 

  • Location of the panels across the site  

Supporting infrastructure:  

  • Inverters: converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC). AC electricity is what powers homes and businesses. 

  • Transformers: to increase the voltage of the electricity so it can be exported to the national grid  

  • Switchgear: to manage the flow of electricity and direct it to where needed. 

  • Energy Storage System: on-site storage facilities – known as a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) - would provide an important balancing service for the national grid. The BESS would store electricity generated by the solar PV panels at times when demand for electricity is low, with it then being exported on to the electricity transmission system when demand peaks. It could also be used to import and store electricity from the national grid until it is needed.

  • On-site cables: to connect the solar panels and the battery energy storage system to the inverters which in turn connect to the transformers. Higher voltage cables will be required between transformers and switchgear and from switchgear to the off-site electrical infrastructure. 

  • On-site substation: to export electricity from the solar park to the national grid, ensuring it is accessible for public use. 

  • Security fencing: A robust fence to enclose the operational areas of the site along with pole-mounted internal facing closed circuit television (CCTV) deployed around the perimeter of the operational site.  

  • Site accesses: to be used during construction and for routine maintenance, there will be designated entry points to allow safe access to different areas within the solar park. 

  • New planting: trees and vegetation would be planted around the site perimeter to enhance biodiversity and contribute to the overall landscape improvement. 

  • Construction compounds: during construction one or more temporary construction compounds will be required, as well as temporary roadways, to enable access to the land within the site boundary.