The sun as a renewable energy source

We typically look for sites of 60ha or more, but the ideal scale of a farm in a specific area will be dependent on many factors. An ideal site would contain fairly flat land without significant vegetation and would be relatively close to existing electricity transmission infrastructure.

As part of European Energy’s commitment to active involvement with local stakeholders, benefit sharing strategies are carefully considered and implemented for each project. These are tailored to the wants and needs of the communities in which our projects are built. For example, EE provides employment opportunities as much as possible to local contractors and suppliers, thereby contributing to local development and capacity building.

Solar farms are generally located in cleared areas to avoid impacts. The environmental impact of the project will be thoroughly assessed in the Environmental Impact Statement that is prepared during the development phase of the project. Environmental surveys will be conducted, ensuring that all flora and fauna are identified and properly retained, treated or relocated.

Glare can occur from surfaces that reflect the sun. For example, solar glare can be experienced from water, snow, and even the rural environment and grass. Solar panels are coated with an anti-glare layer which helps to reduce the level of glare from their surface. They are also designed to absorb as much light as possible, this being fundamental to their function. While all this works well, it does not completely eliminate glare. However, the intensity of this glare is moderate. A study from 2011[1] found solar glare to be less intense than all of the above examples.

Even so, glare and glint is carefully considered in the Environmental Impact Statement which details any risk minimisation measures that will need to be undertaken to minimise glare to any relevant roadways, houses, airstrips etc.

[1] Spaven, C. (2011). Solar photovoltaic energy facilities: assessment of potential for impact on aviation. Spaven Consulting.

If you have other questions not answered here, please feel free to contact our Australian project team below.