You can read detailed information on our project by downloading our consultation information boards. Some key elements are drawn out below, and you can also read our project FAQs.
Project Information
Why do we need the solar farm?
The UK is transitioning to zero and low carbon sources of power. All coal-fired power stations must close by 2025, meaning over a quarter of the UK’s energy generation needs to be replaced. 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 we could use 80% more electricity than we do today. For example, electric vehicle and heat pump ownership has grown thirty-fold and is set to rise with the abolition of new diesel and petrol cars by 2040.
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 now of paramount importance.
What does the project consist of?
Our proposals are for a new solar development capable of generating up to 49.9 megawatts (MW) of energy, with a battery storage system with capacity of up to 10MW. It would be located about 1.5 kilometres to the southwest of the village of Sutton-on-the-Forest, in North Yorkshire.
The solar farm will connect into the National Grid through underground cables and a single new above-ground pole adjacent to the existing 132kV overhead power line.
The solar development will consist of:
- Approximately 101 hectares of land, with the solar panels covering approximately 85 hectares.
- Solar panels with a power generation capacity of up to 49.9MW.
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 10MW.
- 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 up to 3m. As tracker panels, the height of the solar panels will vary from their midday point at 1.83m high, to their full height.
- Substation with a control room, storage units and electrical bay.
- Inverters and transformers to convert power from DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current).
- Site access roads and internal access tracks through each field for operation and maintenance.
- Deer fencing around the site of up to 2m in height.
- Underground cables and a single new above-ground pole adjacent to the existing power line.
- Approximately 1km of new hedgerow at the site boundary, as well as enhancement of existing hedgerows to screen the development from view and enhance biodiversity.
How does it work?
Solar panels are made out 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.
- Solar panels need daylight and sunshine, not high temperatures, so solar panels can and do work well in England.
Has the impact on the environment been considered?
We are mindful of the existing environmental context of the site. We are doing this by undertaking a number of surveys to make sure we understand the impacts the development 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.
Early engagement has been undertaken with regulatory bodies and we are in discussions whether an Environmental Impact Assessment will be required for this development.
