Whaley Solar Farm

Frequently Asked Questions

Solar PV
Key components in the proposed development
Ecology & Biodiversity

Solar PV

 

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.

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Key components in the proposed development

 

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. Each panel is approximately 2.4 x 1.3m. 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, 15 – 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 12 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.

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.

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.

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Ecology & Biodiversity

 

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 mostly grade 3b land with pockets of grade 3a and grade 2 land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.

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Local & National Energy Targets
Public Consultation Process
Key Project Details

Local & National Energy Targets

 

The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In 2019, the Government legislated to commit the country to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels. To meet the national need caused by these trends we need to adapt our infrastructure to offer clean, low carbon sources of energy generation that are fit for the future.
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 opening statement of the Bolsover District Councils Carbon reduction plan states “We believe that climate change is the most pressing issue confronting our communities today. Climate change is already happening and further climate change is inevitable. A reliance on energy that will become increasingly scarce and unreliable is not an option, in the case of oil, gas and other fossil fuels, it is finite and its use produces harmful and polluting gases. There is ever growing evidence that our use of these energy sources, either directly or indirectly, is having a profound effect on our environment, our health today and in the future.” 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.

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Public Consultation Process

 

How long will this consultation take place for? 

The formal consultation will run for three weeks and representations are encouraged within this timeframe. The website will be left live until April 2022 for information purposes and any comments received outside of the 3 week window will be taken in as much as possible. Once the application has been submitted to the local council, there will be a further opportunity to comment on the scheme.

 

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

Key Project Details

 

Site Location

The Site is located in Northern Derbyshire, approximately 12 km to the east of Chesterfield, and 10km north of Mansfield and 750m northwest of Langwith town, 800m southwest of Fox Green and 500m northeast of Whaley village. The Site is on agricultural land at Chatsworth Estate, Gorse Covert, Whitwell, Derbyshire and is within the administrative boundary of Bolsover District Council.

Size of the Site

The red line boundary is 46 ha/116 acres.

Temporary Development

Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.

Site Access

The site is located 230m north of Mag lane, 1km south east of Elmton and 1.08km south of Creswell . The access point will need to be widened to accommodate HGV’s during construction.

Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic

During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 24 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 Whaley Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:

  • Disconnecting and removal of all wiring, cables and electrical interconnections;
  • Dismantling and removal of the solar panels;
  • Removal of the Battery Storage infrastructure;
  • Dismantling and removal of mounting frames, including extraction of in ground support structures;
  • Demolition and removal of central inverter stations or mini-inverters;
  • Removal of fences and gates;
  • Reinstatement of land affected in accordance with best practice; and
  • Where possible, all of the proposed Whaley Solar PV Farm components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor.

 

Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings

The Solar Park would have a capacity of approximately 25MW, enough low carbon electricity to power 7000 homes in North Derbyshire every year.

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Health and Safety

Health and Safety

 

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 greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.

 

Landscape

A public right of way runs across the centre of the Site, along the agricultural track, from north to south. The public right of way will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A number of other footpaths are present around 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.

CLOSE
Solar PV

Solar PV

 

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.

CLOSE
Key components in the proposed development

Key components in the proposed development

 

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. Each panel is approximately 2.4 x 1.3m. 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, 15 – 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 12 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.

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.

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.

CLOSE
Ecology & Biodiversity

Ecology & Biodiversity

 

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 mostly grade 3b land with pockets of grade 3a and grade 2 land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.

CLOSE
Local & National Energy Targets

Local & National Energy Targets

 

The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In 2019, the Government legislated to commit the country to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels. To meet the national need caused by these trends we need to adapt our infrastructure to offer clean, low carbon sources of energy generation that are fit for the future.
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 opening statement of the Bolsover District Councils Carbon reduction plan states “We believe that climate change is the most pressing issue confronting our communities today. Climate change is already happening and further climate change is inevitable. A reliance on energy that will become increasingly scarce and unreliable is not an option, in the case of oil, gas and other fossil fuels, it is finite and its use produces harmful and polluting gases. There is ever growing evidence that our use of these energy sources, either directly or indirectly, is having a profound effect on our environment, our health today and in the future.” 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.

CLOSE
Public Consultation Process

Public Consultation Process

 

How long will this consultation take place for? 

The formal consultation will run for three weeks and representations are encouraged within this timeframe. The website will be left live until April 2022 for information purposes and any comments received outside of the 3 week window will be taken in as much as possible. Once the application has been submitted to the local council, there will be a further opportunity to comment on the scheme.

 

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
Key Project Details

Key Project Details

 

Site Location

The Site is located in Northern Derbyshire, approximately 12 km to the east of Chesterfield, and 10km north of Mansfield and 750m northwest of Langwith town, 800m southwest of Fox Green and 500m northeast of Whaley village. The Site is on agricultural land at Chatsworth Estate, Gorse Covert, Whitwell, Derbyshire and is within the administrative boundary of Bolsover District Council.

Size of the Site

The red line boundary is 46 ha/116 acres.

Temporary Development

Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.

Site Access

The site is located 230m north of Mag lane, 1km south east of Elmton and 1.08km south of Creswell . The access point will need to be widened to accommodate HGV’s during construction.

Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic

During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 24 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 Whaley Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:

  • Disconnecting and removal of all wiring, cables and electrical interconnections;
  • Dismantling and removal of the solar panels;
  • Removal of the Battery Storage infrastructure;
  • Dismantling and removal of mounting frames, including extraction of in ground support structures;
  • Demolition and removal of central inverter stations or mini-inverters;
  • Removal of fences and gates;
  • Reinstatement of land affected in accordance with best practice; and
  • Where possible, all of the proposed Whaley Solar PV Farm components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor.

 

Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings

The Solar Park would have a capacity of approximately 25MW, enough low carbon electricity to power 7000 homes in North Derbyshire every year.

CLOSE
Health and Safety

Health and Safety

 

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 greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.

 

Landscape

A public right of way runs across the centre of the Site, along the agricultural track, from north to south. The public right of way will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A number of other footpaths are present around 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.

CLOSE