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 grazing. The Site was classified as mostly Grade 3 is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.
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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 Northamptonshire Climate Change Strategy 2020-2023, which is a partnership document developed by local authorities in Northamptonshire, sets out the measures to tackle the causes and effects of climate change. It establishes that for Northamptonshire to match the national government ambitions of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, an overall annual 3% reduction in emissions is needed.
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.
The West Northamptonshire Council Development Plan introduced a set of strategic objectives as part of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan Part 1 (2014) and the Daventry District Settlements Local Plan Part 2 (2020). Objective 1 of the JCS considers the impacts of Climate Change and notes that the Council will ‘minimise demand for resources and mitigate and adapt to climate change by encouraging renewable energy production in appropriate locations.’ Policy 12 of the JCS: Low Carbon & Renewable Energy and ENV9 of the Local Plan Part 2: Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Development, seeks to minimise the environmental impact of development and its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change by promoting the use of low carbon, renewable energy and other alternative technologies.
Daventry District Council originally declared a climate emergency in February 2020 and West Northamptonshire Council will continue the Action on Climate Change (now that Daventry District Council is part of the new Unitary Authority as per the Northamptonshire Climate Change Strategy 2020 – 2023. The aim is to become carbon neutral by 2050 and to support residents, businesses and communities in the Daventry Area to significantly reduce their emissions.
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How long will this consultation take place for?
This public consultation will run for two weeks with a subsequent day to allow for any additional feedback and an opportunity to address comments before the application submission. 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.
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Site Location
The Site is Located 1.3km to the east of Charwelton, approximately 2.5k m west of the village of Preston Capes, and directly south of Fawsley Estate The Site is on agricultural land Fawsley Estate, Daventry, NN11 3BA and is within the administrative boundary of the West Northamptonshire Council.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 23.5hectares/58 acres and the likely developable area will be less once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed. The maximum import capacity will be 12MW.
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 Via Charwelton Road, east of Charwelton, West of Preston Capes. Access to the Site will be via an existing agricultural field access point.
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 Fawsley Estate Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
The Solar Farm would have a capacity of approximately 12MW, enough low carbon electricity to power 4,600 homes in Daventry 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. 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, 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 10 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 be connected to the grid through a Teed connection into the existing 33kV overhead line to the southeast of the site. It will be a pole mounted cable termination.
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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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 from 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 number of public rights of way traverse the perimeter of the site. There are two Public Rights of Way (PRoW) which are located in close proximity to the north-western and eastern boundaries of the site. One of these, ET4, is a public bridleway that passes along the route proposed to be used for construction access for the Proposed Development site.
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 grazing. The Site was classified as mostly Grade 3 is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.
CLOSE
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 Northamptonshire Climate Change Strategy 2020-2023, which is a partnership document developed by local authorities in Northamptonshire, sets out the measures to tackle the causes and effects of climate change. It establishes that for Northamptonshire to match the national government ambitions of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, an overall annual 3% reduction in emissions is needed.
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.
The West Northamptonshire Council Development Plan introduced a set of strategic objectives as part of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan Part 1 (2014) and the Daventry District Settlements Local Plan Part 2 (2020). Objective 1 of the JCS considers the impacts of Climate Change and notes that the Council will ‘minimise demand for resources and mitigate and adapt to climate change by encouraging renewable energy production in appropriate locations.’ Policy 12 of the JCS: Low Carbon & Renewable Energy and ENV9 of the Local Plan Part 2: Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Development, seeks to minimise the environmental impact of development and its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change by promoting the use of low carbon, renewable energy and other alternative technologies.
Daventry District Council originally declared a climate emergency in February 2020 and West Northamptonshire Council will continue the Action on Climate Change (now that Daventry District Council is part of the new Unitary Authority as per the Northamptonshire Climate Change Strategy 2020 – 2023. The aim is to become carbon neutral by 2050 and to support residents, businesses and communities in the Daventry Area to significantly reduce their emissions.
CLOSE
How long will this consultation take place for?
This public consultation will run for two weeks with a subsequent day to allow for any additional feedback and an opportunity to address comments before the application submission. 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
Site Location
The Site is Located 1.3km to the east of Charwelton, approximately 2.5k m west of the village of Preston Capes, and directly south of Fawsley Estate The Site is on agricultural land Fawsley Estate, Daventry, NN11 3BA and is within the administrative boundary of the West Northamptonshire Council.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 23.5hectares/58 acres and the likely developable area will be less once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed. The maximum import capacity will be 12MW.
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 Via Charwelton Road, east of Charwelton, West of Preston Capes. Access to the Site will be via an existing agricultural field access point.
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 Fawsley Estate Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
The Solar Farm would have a capacity of approximately 12MW, enough low carbon electricity to power 4,600 homes in Daventry 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. 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, 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 10 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 be connected to the grid through a Teed connection into the existing 33kV overhead line to the southeast of the site. It will be a pole mounted cable termination.
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
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 from 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 number of public rights of way traverse the perimeter of the site. There are two Public Rights of Way (PRoW) which are located in close proximity to the north-western and eastern boundaries of the site. One of these, ET4, is a public bridleway that passes along the route proposed to be used for construction access for the Proposed Development site.
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.