A solar farm consists of a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) generation facility, and associated infrastructure. It comprises the installation of solar PV panels, substation, inverters, power cabling, site offices and access tracks. A transmission line to connect the solar farm to existing electrical infrastructure may be required.
The solar panels are typically 1.2 meters (m) x 2.4 m in size and are arranged in rows. These rows of solar panels are spaced 5m to 7m apart. The height of a fully tilted solar panel is 3m to 4m above the ground.
A solar farm design evolves over time and is continuously refined as more information becomes available. Information is fed into the design as it emerges from site investigations, environmental assessments, community feedback and planning permit requirements. We consider a range of aspects, including:
OX2 is the leading developer of onshore wind in Europe. As an industry pioneer, we are active in eleven markets and offer fully customised renewable energy solutions involving several technologies, including wind and solar energy, in addition to hydrogen and energy storage projects. We design and build sustainable projects and tailor them to meet our customers’ needs. OX2 has a proven business model and in-house expertise at every step of the process – from project inception and financing to engineering and design, permitting, procurement, construction, and technical and commercial management. Our mission is to accelerate access to renewable energy. We see ourselves becoming the leading provider of renewable energy solutions globally, thereby powering the great shift.
Technical and environmental studies are undertaken by independent consultants who are experts in their field to identify baseline conditions and possible impacts. We use these studies to inform the project design, planning and construction and ongoing management. The assessments undertaken for a solar farm typically include:
Construction noise limits are regulated by the EPA and in some cases, local councils. If construction activities on one of our projects are expected to exceed the noise targets at any time, we notify the local Council and we put mitigation measures in place to limit the impact on local residents as much as possible.
The PV solar panels comprising a solar farm absorb the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity.
When light shines on a solar panel, the light’s photons knock electrons free from the material within the solar panel, producing electricity. An inverter transforms the electricity generated from the solar panels from direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity. This AC electricity is transmitted to a substation through medium voltage underground cables where it is distributed to the grid via a transmission line (either new line or by connecting into existing lines).
Large-scale solar farms use similar technology to that used in residential solar photovoltaic installations, with the main difference being that solar farm panels are usually mounted on systems that track the sun through the sky. The amount of energy generated is determined by the intensity and angle of the light hitting the solar panels. This is why the solar farm uses a tracking system to optimise the angle of the panel to the sun throughout the day.
