FAQ’s.

Both a solar farm and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) form part of a temporary farm diversification strategy and will not alter the land classification. These installations are designed to be reversible, with the land being restored to its original condition once the technology reaches the end of its operational life.

We recognise the importance of environmental protection and enhancement as part of our commitment to operating sustainably and responsibly. We engage independent, qualified ecologists to assess the biodiversity value of each project and design improvements to deliver a net biodiversity gain. At our solar farms, this typically results in improvements to natural habitats for a variety of invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Arable land is often intensively farmed, which can degrade soil quality over time. By transitioning to grassland, introducing meadow areas around the external fencing, and allowing sheep grazing, we help to improve soil health. These changes also provide valuable habitats and food sources for wildlife throughout the food chain. Bird boxes, log piles for invertebrates, and new or improved trees and hedges are just a few examples of measures used to deliver a biodiversity net gain. Additionally, significant benefits arise from the removal of fertiliser and pesticide use, which improves both the land quality and the surrounding waterways.

Yes, both solar farms and BESS are environmentally friendly. Solar farms generate clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Battery storage systems support the grid by storing excess renewable energy, improving efficiency and reducing the need for backup fossil fuel-based power plants. Additionally, these projects often lead to habitat restoration and biodiversity improvements, particularly when integrated with wildlife-friendly practices.

Yes, solar farms and BESS can be installed on agricultural land, particularly as part of a farm diversification strategy. This allows farmers to maintain agricultural use of the land while generating renewable energy. Often, solar farms are integrated with sheep grazing, which helps maintain the land’s agricultural status and provides additional income for landowners.

As part of the planning application, a landscape assessment will be carried out to consider the impact of the Proposed Development on the landscape of the Site and surrounding area, and on local visual amenity and views. Landscape impacts will be minimised through mitigation measures, including the restoration and introduction of hedgerows and trees, and the management of existing and established woodland. Public Rights of Way (PRoW) will always be protected. While there will be an initial change to the landscape, both the solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will quickly become integrated into the environment as new planting matures. The facilities will provide Biodiversity Net Gain, provide new habitats for wildlife, and contribute to renewable energy generation, offering long-term environmental and community benefits.

In short, no, it will not be noisy. The predicted noise impact of a typical solar farm is considered low to negligible and non-intrusive, so additional specific mitigation is usually not required. However, a project-specific Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) must be conducted as part of the planning application process, which will evaluate the likely noise impact associated with the proposed solar farm. Of course, there will be some noise during the construction phase, but this will be carefully managed, with limited hours of construction.

The build-up of dirt on the panels varies depending on the location; factors such as proximity to trees, agriculture, quarries, the coast, and so on can all present different challenges. There is no set rule for cleaning, but it is generally carried out every one to four years as required. The modules are monitored for dirt residue on a monthly basis. To clean the modules on a larger scale, a rotary brush is mounted onto the back of a tractor. However, spot cleaning by hand may be carried out if the performance of an individual module or a small cluster of modules is deemed low, typically due to bird droppings.

Tackling climate change requires unprecedented and urgent action. The transition to powering our homes and businesses with low-cost, low-carbon electricity generated from renewable energy sources is a vital part of the UK’s climate change strategy and needs to be delivered at pace and scale. Brownfield land will always be considered for new solar farm developments. However, due to the limited availability of suitable sites, brownfield sites alone cannot deliver the transition at the pace or scale required. Many brownfield sites are either unavailable for development or not suitably located for connecting an electricity generation project to the high-voltage electricity grid, for example.

Therefore, a combination of projects on suitable and available brownfield sites, along with carefully selected and designed projects on greenfield sites, will be needed to achieve the energy transition in the UK.

Recent technological advances have significantly reduced the carbon costs associated with producing solar panels. As manufacturing processes become more efficient, the carbon footprint of solar panels has diminished considerably. While the production of solar modules does result in some greenhouse gas emissions, solar farms are still far more beneficial for the environment compared to alternative energy sources. The overall greenhouse gas emissions from solar energy are still significantly lower than those of coal or natural gas.

For more information, visit: EnergySage – Solar Panels and the Environment

An unmanned solar farm is considered to be at a very low risk of catching fire and incorporates several safety features to disconnect the electricity upon fault detection. This is the same for every substation connected to the electricity network, of which there are many hundreds of thousands across the UK. It operates in much the same way as a substation supplying electricity to a house, street, or village.

Yes, all of our components are supplied by manufacturers that are registered and strictly comply with the EU WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), which aims to promote sustainable production and consumption.

As a company, we are committed to providing the best possible solutions for recycling. We work with registered, licensed specialists to recycle all components, including PV modules, solar inverters, transformers, and even the cabling.

To find out more about our trusted and approved specialists, please visit:

www.recyclesolar.co.uk

Battery storage plays a critical role in ensuring the stability of the electricity grid. It can store excess energy generated during periods of high renewable energy production (e.g. sunny or windy days) and release it when demand is high or generation is low, such as during evenings or cloudy days. This helps to balance supply and demand, maintain grid stability, and ensure a reliable electricity supply.

The unmanned battery energy storage system is considered to be at very low risk of catching fire. The battery systems used in our projects are equipped with automatic fire detection and suppression systems, which include redundancy in the design to provide multiple layers of protection. There are always measures built into the designs to contain and restrict the spread of fire, including the use of fire-resistant materials and adequate separation between the elements of the battery system. Similar to a petrol tank under a car, battery systems are fitted with protection mechanisms, making the risk of failure extremely low.

At BOOM Power, fire safety is our top priority. We adopt a safety-first approach in the design and development of all BESS projects. Our facilities are designed in accordance with the most up-to-date fire safety regulations and guidance, and we work closely with independent industry experts and leading technology suppliers to ensure the highest safety standards. Additionally, we engage with the local fire and rescue service from the early stages to ensure their feedback is incorporated into our safety plans.

Collaboration with local emergency services is a key component of our fire safety strategy. We work closely with the local fire and rescue service throughout the development and operation of our facilities. This partnership ensures that their input is considered in our safety planning and allows us to develop tailored emergency response plans to ensure local responders are well-prepared to handle any potential fire incidents, thereby enhancing both operational and community safety.

Our development strategy places fire safety at the forefront through meticulous planning and design. We focus on key elements such as:

• Thoughtful Site Layout: Our BESS facilities are designed with adequate spacing between units to prevent the spread of fire. We also ensure clear and accessible paths for emergency responders.
• Water Supply and Management: We ensure a reliable water supply is available for firefighting efforts, with strategically positioned water sources and drainage systems to facilitate a swift response in the event of an emergency.

These measures help minimise fire risks and ensure an effective emergency response.

Yes, our BESS facilities are fully compliant with UK safety and fire regulations. While there is no specific law governing BESS, these facilities must adhere to UK product safety regulations, which require the highest manufacturing standards for battery units. In addition, our grid-scale facilities must comply with fire safety and health and safety legislation governing the safe construction and operation of such sites, ensuring a safe environment for both workers and the surrounding community.