How does Solar PV work?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. It works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.
Benefits of Solar PV
• Installation period is faster than other traditional or renewable energy plants;
• Most efficient at peak times of day for energy usage;
• Clean, quiet and visually unobtrusive;
• Solar energy farms do not produce any pollution or emissions;
• Local and national CO2 production is reduced;
• Creates clean, renewable energy that will sustain and support the health of future generations;
• Supports national energy independence;
• The construction phase will result in job creation and increased expenditure in local shops, restaurants/cafes and hotels;
• The maintenance of the site will generate further opportunities for employment.
Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil, largely undisturbed sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 40-year lifetime of the development. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site. These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
Use of Agricultural Land
The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for arable crop cultivation. Following an Agricultural Land Classification, the Site was classified as Grade 3b land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.
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Local & National Energy Targets
In order to meet the emission targets, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the most recent climate change conference, COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power available and reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. The COP26 targets outline the need to invest in renewable energy now in order to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions can be achieved by 2050.
On a national scale, the UK Government is working towards hitting goals set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021), which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035. On a local scale, the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership (SCCP), which the Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council are a part of, declared a climate emergency in 2019 and aim to make Suffolk carbon neutral by 2030.
The Development will generate electricity with a very low carbon footprint and help the UK accelerate decarbonisation and achieve the energy targets set at both the national and local scale. Overall, it will contribute to the UK’s efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Why is there no public event as part of the consultation for this proposed development?
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to hold a public consultation event. As an alternative, we have created this website to share project information.
How long will this consultation take place for?
This public consultation will be open and all feedback received will be reviewed and the planning application will be finalised.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can get in touch with our project development team to request further information. Contact details can be found here.
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Site Location
The Site is located in the centre of Suffolk, approximately 15 km to the north of Ipswich, directly to the south of Stowmarket Business Park and approximately 120 m north of the village of Badley, 880 m northeast of the village of Little London and 1.2 km east of the village of Combs, Suffolk. The Site is on agricultural land at Woodlands Farm, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 2AH and is within the administrative boundary of Mid Suffolk District Council.
Size of the Site
The total site area is 143 acres but the likely developable area will be less once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed..
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.
Site Access
The site will be accessed for construction from Stowmarket Road, via the A1120 then the B1113 Needham Road leading to Stowmarket Road.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 12-16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 6 HGV movements (3 arrivals and 3 departures) per day. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 40-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Woodlands Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4-6 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
The Solar Park would have a capacity of approximately 49.9MW, enough low carbon electricity to power 14,000 homes in Stowmarket every year.
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What equipment will be used on site?
The following components are proposed for this solar farm:
Solar Panels
The proposed solar farm will be made up, principally, of dark blue or black solar panels. The solar panels will be arranged in a series of rows up to a height of 3.2m at the highest point and tilted southwards at an angle of, typically, 10 – 25 degrees from horizontal.
Inverters
Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). There will be approximately 17 inverters on the site. The inverters are typically 7 m long x 2.5 m wide x 3 m high with a concrete base. To see photos of inverters, please visit the photos section.
Grid Connection
The proposed solar farm will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement to connect to the substation which is located just to the north of the Site.
Access Track
A 4 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the inverters and the substation compound.
CCTV
A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.
Fencing
A 2.4m timber post and wire deer proof fence will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. Matching gates will be provided at key access points at the site.
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Noise
Each inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A footpath (SK|W-117|012/0) runs across the centre of the Site, along the agricultural track, from north to south, while another footpath (SK|W-117|005/0) runs from northeast to west along the northern Site boundary. The footpaths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A number of other public rights of way traverse the perimeter of the site. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development where possible.
Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?
There is no significant increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required. The majority of the solar farm remains open grassland as the features are not altered in any way. The solar farm infrastructure does not affect runoff volumes, with the use of driplines along the face of panels evenly dispersing surface water across the underlying grounds. In addition, the panels are raised on a pre-fabricated framework on screw-driven legs, so only approximately 5% of the ground surface is utilised.
How does Solar PV work?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. It works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.
Benefits of Solar PV
• Installation period is faster than other traditional or renewable energy plants;
• Most efficient at peak times of day for energy usage;
• Clean, quiet and visually unobtrusive;
• Solar energy farms do not produce any pollution or emissions;
• Local and national CO2 production is reduced;
• Creates clean, renewable energy that will sustain and support the health of future generations;
• Supports national energy independence;
• The construction phase will result in job creation and increased expenditure in local shops, restaurants/cafes and hotels;
• The maintenance of the site will generate further opportunities for employment.
Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil, largely undisturbed sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 40-year lifetime of the development. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site. These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
Use of Agricultural Land
The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for arable crop cultivation. Following an Agricultural Land Classification, the Site was classified as Grade 3b land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.
CLOSE
Local & National Energy Targets
In order to meet the emission targets, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the most recent climate change conference, COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power available and reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. The COP26 targets outline the need to invest in renewable energy now in order to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions can be achieved by 2050.
On a national scale, the UK Government is working towards hitting goals set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021), which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035. On a local scale, the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership (SCCP), which the Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council are a part of, declared a climate emergency in 2019 and aim to make Suffolk carbon neutral by 2030.
The Development will generate electricity with a very low carbon footprint and help the UK accelerate decarbonisation and achieve the energy targets set at both the national and local scale. Overall, it will contribute to the UK’s efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Why is there no public event as part of the consultation for this proposed development?
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to hold a public consultation event. As an alternative, we have created this website to share project information.
How long will this consultation take place for?
This public consultation will be open and all feedback received will be reviewed and the planning application will be finalised.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can get in touch with our project development team to request further information. Contact details can be found here.
CLOSE
Site Location
The Site is located in the centre of Suffolk, approximately 15 km to the north of Ipswich, directly to the south of Stowmarket Business Park and approximately 120 m north of the village of Badley, 880 m northeast of the village of Little London and 1.2 km east of the village of Combs, Suffolk. The Site is on agricultural land at Woodlands Farm, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 2AH and is within the administrative boundary of Mid Suffolk District Council.
Size of the Site
The total site area is 143 acres but the likely developable area will be less once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed..
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.
Site Access
The site will be accessed for construction from Stowmarket Road, via the A1120 then the B1113 Needham Road leading to Stowmarket Road.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 12-16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 6 HGV movements (3 arrivals and 3 departures) per day. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 40-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Woodlands Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4-6 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
The Solar Park would have a capacity of approximately 49.9MW, enough low carbon electricity to power 14,000 homes in Stowmarket every year.
CLOSE
What equipment will be used on site?
The following components are proposed for this solar farm:
Solar Panels
The proposed solar farm will be made up, principally, of dark blue or black solar panels. The solar panels will be arranged in a series of rows up to a height of 3.2m at the highest point and tilted southwards at an angle of, typically, 10 – 25 degrees from horizontal.
Inverters
Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). There will be approximately 17 inverters on the site. The inverters are typically 7 m long x 2.5 m wide x 3 m high with a concrete base. To see photos of inverters, please visit the photos section.
Grid Connection
The proposed solar farm will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement to connect to the substation which is located just to the north of the Site.
Access Track
A 4 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the inverters and the substation compound.
CCTV
A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.
Fencing
A 2.4m timber post and wire deer proof fence will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. Matching gates will be provided at key access points at the site.
CLOSE
Noise
Each inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A footpath (SK|W-117|012/0) runs across the centre of the Site, along the agricultural track, from north to south, while another footpath (SK|W-117|005/0) runs from northeast to west along the northern Site boundary. The footpaths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A number of other public rights of way traverse the perimeter of the site. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development where possible.
Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?
There is no significant increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required. The majority of the solar farm remains open grassland as the features are not altered in any way. The solar farm infrastructure does not affect runoff volumes, with the use of driplines along the face of panels evenly dispersing surface water across the underlying grounds. In addition, the panels are raised on a pre-fabricated framework on screw-driven legs, so only approximately 5% of the ground surface is utilised.