Introduction
You can read detailed information on our proposal by downloading our consultation information boards. Some key elements are drawn out below, and you can also read our project FAQs.
Consultation
Why do we need the solar farm?
The UK is transitioning to zero and low carbon sources of power. All coal-fired power stations have to close by 2025, meaning the amount of energy generated from renewable sources needs to increase. The UK’s climate change ambitions are amongst the highest in Europe and the aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is set in law.
By 2050 the UK is expected by National Grid to be using double the amount of electricity than we do today. For example, the growth in electric vehicle ownership has grown thirty-fold and is set to rise with the abolition of new diesel and petrol cars by 2035.
Currently the UK’s electricity price is among the highest in Europe, meaning that we need to find ways of generating more affordable, renewable and clean electricity. Energy security for the country is also of paramount importance.
We anticipate that Camp Farm Solar will be able to supply enough energy to power 25,000 homes each year, and the clean energy generated will save on average 21,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, which adds up to just over 800,000 tonnes of over the next 40 years.
What does the project consist of?
Our proposals include a solar farm at Camp Farm and Battery Energy Storage System to the northwest of the village of Hurley, with an expected generating capacity of up to 49.9 megawatts (MW).
The solar farm will consist of:
- Fixed-tilt solar photovoltaic panels covering 62 hectares within a 73-hectare site. This means that they are in a fixed position facing south and do not move during the day.
- Around 125,000 panels within 2,100 units with a power export capacity of up to 49.9 megawatts (MW).
- Solar panels set on lightweight frames in rows spaced 2.5m apart, with a minimum ground clearance of 0.6m and a maximum panel height of 3m.
- Power will be converted from Direct Current to Alternating Current, and the voltage stepped up suitable for the UK grid via onsite inverters and transformers.
- An on-site substation and site facility, which includes a control room and components storage.
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which includes commercial-scale batteries and transformers.
- A security fence up to 2.4m high, CCTV cameras and a thermal imaging detection system located on 3m high poles, set at approximately 100m intervals on average around the site perimeter.
- Internal access tracks through the field to enable operation and maintenance.
- New hedgerows planted around the site, with existing hedgerows maintained, to screen it from external views, and also provide biodiversity benefits. Where there are existing gaps in the hedgerow, additional infill planting with native hedgerow species would be considered to improve screening and enhanced biodiversity benefit. Any further landscaping requirements would be proposed by a project landscape architect following completion of a landscape and visual appraisal.
- Ecology mitigation and enhancement areas to protect the ecology and habitats of the site, including the creation of a wetland area.
The substation, batteries, and transformers have been located away from potential noise receptors, including the Public Right of Way.
Plan 1 shows the location of the site and Plan 2 shows the proposed site layout, including the area the solar panels will cover and associated infrastructure, and the proposed ecological mitigation areas.
How does it work?
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells (which is why generating electricity with solar panels is also called solar PV) that convert the sun’s energy into electricity.
Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi-conducting materials such as silicone. Each layer has different electronic properties that energise when hit by photons from sunlight, creating an electric field. This is known as the photoelectric effect, and this creates the electrical current.
Solar panels generate a Direct Current of electricity. This is then passed through an inverter to convert it into an Alternating Current, which can then be fed into the National Grid, or directly to large local power users.
The site will also have a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). BESS are devices that enable solar energy to be stored and then released when the power is needed most. The battery storage at Camp Farm Solar would facilitate the storage of solar energy and supply power even when the sun doesn’t shine. The battery storage uses computerised control systems to release energy during times of peak demand, helping to keep electricity flowing.
Has the impact on the environment been considered?
We are mindful of the existing environmental context of the site. We have undertaken a number of surveys to make sure we understand any impacts the solar farm may have on the environment, landscape, heritage and local community. We are also looking at ways to enhance local ecology and biodiversity through the project. Plan 4 below shows the environmental constraints at the site. Click on the link to enlarge the plan.
How will the Public Right of Way be impacted?
We are proposing to divert the existing Public Right of Way WK|200|T56/1 that currently runs through the middle of the site around the southern edge of the site. The diverted route would be 10m wide and new species-rich hedgerow would be planted between it and the solar farm. Plan 4 shows the proposed ProW diversion route. Click on the link to enlarge the plan.
