As a medium size company, the best we can do is to rely on our financing bank. It is a green investment bank, which makes ethical investments only and has dedicated staff to check this. They are looking keenly at the Uyghurs in China and the human rights situation. With their support, we avoid components with potential conflict on human rights.
As the purchase of panels takes place at a later stage, we cannot say today which exact brand of solar modules we will use. Nevertheless, with the support of the bank, we take into account the status of several ethics related aspects that might interest solar panels manufacturers, not only human rights. For example, we have recently decided to not buy Hanwha modules, because the parent company is manufacturing weapons, which is another area we do not wish to be associated with.
The limit of 40MW can be set and guaranteed by the technology used in the solar farm. More in detail, every solar module has very specific technical characteristics, among which a maximum power, or peak power (Pmax). This value indicates the maximum energy transformation that a solar module can perform under perfect conditions. In other words, it represents the maximum amount of electricity that can be generated by converting sunlight. The maximum Power is measured in Watts. Technical specifications of a solar module are always provided by the manufacturer. In light of the available technology, we have chosen Elite Plus ET-M672BH410WW/WB solar modules, which has a Pmax of 410W. This implies that, to develop a solar farm of 40MW (or 40,000,000W), we would need 121,707 modules. The most updated layout that we designed, and that will be submitted at due course within the planning application, comprises of 65,580 modules. This confirms that the threshold of 40MW will not be exceeded by the proposed development.
Solar panels are designed with a special coating to absorb the sun’s rays. This means that reflection in the form of glint and glare is avoided as much as possible by design, since it would otherwise lead to a potential loss of energy. A comparative study of common reflective surfaces shows that solar panels reflect less light than, for instance, steel, standard glass or plastic.
Any remanent reflection is minimal and only occurs at a fixed angle in relation to the solar panels. The time the sun shines on the solar panels at this angle is very short during the day and not all days throughout the year. In addition, landscaping such as a hedges around the solar farm can prevent any remaining glare that could cause a nuisance in the surrounding area.
A solar farm produces virtually no noise. The solar panels themselves do their work silently. The inverters that convert the direct current from the solar panels to alternating current for the electricity grid are available without fans. The transformer needed at a solar farm produces a light buzz as soon as the sun shines its brightest in the middle of the day, but this quickly fades away from background noise in the surrounding area. Given the distance between the intended solar farm and homes in the area, we expect that local residents will not be able to hear the solar farm from their homes.
The Council have set the ambitious target of significantly increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the future. This is in line with local, national and international targets set in an attempt to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and, thus, combat global warming.
According to the available PROWs maps, there are two footpaths dissecting the southern parcel of the site, located in East Staffordshire. This will be taken into account in the development process while designing a layout. The footpaths will be respected and remain unobstructed, both during the construction and operational phases.
A solar farm is permitted for a maximum period of 40 years. After this period, the site of the solar farm will be cleaned up by a company that specializes in the unmounting and recycling of solar farms and the land will be returned to its original state.
The lifetime of the park is a minimum of 25, rather 30 year. Putting money aside earlier than after 20 year would mean that money would be blocked unnecessarily on a notary’s account. If there was a massive concern, a decommissioning analysis could be done already earlier after 15 year, and such amount then put subsequently on an account for safety purposes.
There is a refinement prosses that the panels go through in order to be reused and yes, the technology is available in order to do this. All of the materials that make up the panel are separated, 95% of which can be recycled.
Among this 95%, glass and metals i.e. aluminium frames are recycled, while plastics go through a thermal process and are used as a heat source. The separations of the solar modules are again melted down and then able to be reused for other solar modules.
By 2030 already 60million solar modules will have been recycled and used to make new panels.
One of the studies we carry out to assess the suitability of the location is an Ecological Impact Assessment, which evaluates the ecological value of the area and proposes enhancement measures and necessary mitigation. Some of the species we survey for include badgers, bats, great crested newt, brown hare, and birds. Together with the development we will plant new species-rich grassland and new hedgerow bolster. All hedgerows will be maintained, bat and bird boxes will be installed, and the fence surrounding the solar farm will not start from the ground, but from a height that allows small animals to pass beneath it (such as badgers and brown hares).
A ground-based solar farm offers opportunities to enhance the environment around it through appropriate mitigation measures. Preservation of the land through low disturbance of the ground is only one side of the coin. With a solar farm, the opportunity to plant a species-rich mix of grassland arises. This not only enhances the biodiversity of the terrain, which is usually comprised of a poor grassland monoculture, but it provides foraging opportunities for animals in the surrounding ecosystem. This also applies to the vegetation around the solar farm, such as hedges and trees, which are more sensibly managed providing additional shelter for the local fauna and flora.
Renewable energies are becoming an integral part of the English landscape and its society, and its depolyment will increase even more in the future. Having a solar farm fully integrated into the landscape not only has the benefit of locally produced green electricity, but it provides the surrounding community with a sense of pride thanks to their active contribution to the national goals of clean energy generation.
We look forward to hearing your suggestions and comments on how to best integrate the solar farm into the proposed setting.
The panels will be placed at a maximum height of 3.5 meters.
Kronos Solar takes great care in revising multiple elements for a proposed location of a solar farm. Examples of the criteria we take into consideration are the distance from the site to nearby residential premises, existing designations of the land, ground characteristics, size of the land, presence of grid connection and the current use of the terrain. Additionally, it is imperative that the solar irradiation at the location is optimal for the efficient production of energy per square meter.
The Draycott Solar Farm has a capacity of approximately 40 Megawatts. That is equivalent to clean energy supply for approximately 9,261 households. The energy generated will be fed into the national electricity grid which is managed by the district network operator. The energy produced by the solar farm will be generated and distributed locally in proportion to the total energy produced. Electricity cannot travel great distances without losses so it is used locally, hence the village will benefit of the electricity produced.
We aim to use as many local companies as possible to construct the solar farm, fence it off, plant the required vegetation screening that helps mitigating visual impact effects, and take care of the maintenance of the site. We encourage any local businesses who want to be part of these processes and fulfil the skill set to get in touch in order to have the best community integrated approach.
We know that visual impact is a relevant aspect to be considered when planning big developments. Therefore, we have a Landscape Visual Impact expert and a Glint & Glare specialist surveying the area to inform us on the most sensible viewpoints. They will also propose proper mitigation to screen as much as we can any glimpses to the site. Photomontages from the most crucial viewpoints will also be provided on the website, as well as with the planning application.
Modifications to the size of the solar farm can only take place through additional planning applications. This is currently not under consideration.
This is a common fear, yet there are no records of devaluation when proper landscape integration is done[1]. We aspire to integrate the park well limiting visual impact.
[1] Jones, P., & Comfort, D. Solar Farm Development in the UK. Retrieved 21 May 2021, from http://eprints.glos.ac.uk/1041/1/SOLAR%20FARM%20DEVELOPMENT%20IN%20THE%20UK%20%7BREVISION2%7D.pdf
A Unilateral Undertaking will be submitted as part of the planning applications, offering a community benefit fund to the District. This will be used to fund local projects, for example the improvement of local footpaths.
The landscaping and natural integration of this project requires the installation of multiple fences and the planting of hedges, both new ones and reinforcement of already present vegetation. To secure the solar farm, the site boundaries will be fenced with a deer fence that is separated from the solar panels by 3 metres and allows for a maintenance path. The fence is required to prevent theft and destruction of the solar panels as much as possible and is a requirement of the insurance company.
The following stages will apply for both districts involved in the proposed development:
Pre-application request:
The council makes an initial revision of the project and suggests the scope of the detailed studies that are necessary for the future submission of the application.
Stakeholder consultation:
By means of personal conversations, a walk-in evening and reactions via this website, Kronos Solar provides an open space to discuss how the plan will fit in with the landscape and how it will be designed. This may include comments about, for example, screening and visibility of the site, the layout of the solar farm, the construction of the driveway and the wishes for ecological improvements at the location. Together with a landscape architect, the (technical) possibilities can be examined. Overall, the aim is to minimise the impact on the surroundings. Following the public consultation, adjustments will be incorporated into the plan.
Planning permission:
After Kronos Solar puts together the required documentation and reviews the comments of the local community, the Council will examine whether the proposal meets all the requirements and fits into the policy plans. The project is validated, after which it is available for public inspection. If there are no objections during the 6-week judicial review period, the municipality issues a decision, after which the permit is granted.
Construction phase:
As soon as the financing has been arranged and all the contracts with suppliers have been concluded, the construction phase can begin.
The construction of the solar farm will take about six months. During these months various construction stages will be completed, starting with the installation of the fencing and the internal infrastructure, the delivery of the materials on site and the setting up of the (temporary) building security system. After that, the installation of the substructure takes place and finalises with the installation of the panels. Finally, the cabling for the electrical connection is laid. Parallel to this, the grid manager will work on the connection work in and around the customer station.
These various phases ensure that the inconvenience caused by the construction is minimal and it is also accompanied by a traffic management plan to avoid disruptions to the local highway network.
Operational phase:
Upon completion of the project, the solar farm becomes operational. The sustainably generated electricity is supplied to customers via the public electricity grid and actively contributes to the national Net Zero Target. Kronos Solar will have the ecological management carried out by a professional organisation and technical any faults will be resolved as soon as possible by appointed professionals as well. Controlled pasture management and rainfall will help in the upkeep of the solar farm and on-site maintenance will occur only a few times per year.
Dismantling:
After 40 years, the solar farm will be dismantled and the plots of land will be delivered in their original state. For this purpose, Kronos Solar will instruct an organisation that focuses entirely on the sustainable dismantling and recycling of (used) solar panels.
A solar farm is a piece of land containing photovoltaic panels that generate electricity from the sun. Sizes can vary from just a couple of acres to more than 200 acres. The solar panels are placed on a specialized framing often oriented to the south, to receive the highest irradiation possible. As a result, they deliver power to the grid via an inverter and a transformer. The energy supplier then provides real green electricity to private individuals and companies.
According to the standards of the solar industry, from when the solar farm starts generating electricity, it will take less than 2 years to bring the carbon footprint back to zero. This figure includes also the complete lifecycle of panels. Once the carbon footprint is offset, the solar farm will produce carbon free power during its remaining operational life.
The solar panels are mounted on structures above the ground such that the sun can still reach the soil and vegetation beneath it preventing the loss of fertility of the land. In fact, during the operation of the solar farm, vegetation tends to grow and small animals re-emerge on the landscape. Thanks to the presence of the solar panels and to the absence of disruptive agricultural practices, the land has a chance to recover and the land’s fertility is further enhanced. Kronos Solar contractually assumes responsibility for returning the land back to the state in which it was obtained after the period of operation.
Most people prefer not to have direct views into solar farms. For this reason, we plant a variety of local plants around the farm, that conceal the panels and enhance the site boundaries. Bird houses and bat boxes are placed on nearby trees and can also be placed on the transformer houses and other structural elements in the farm. In general, the layout of a solar farm allows for placing honey bee nests and/or for sheep grazing. The integration of the solar farm into the landscape is done according to local and regional regulations and in cooperation with landscape architects.
It is expected that there will be approximately 5 deliveries per day accessing the site over the 26 week period when deliveries will occur. There will also be construction workers arriving at the site early in the morning and departing in the evening; the numbers involved are forecast to be relatively low on a day-to-day basis. The level of traffic during the temporary six month construction phase is not considered to be material and it is considered that this will not have an impact on the safety or operation of the local highway network.
Once the site is operational there will be approximately 6 visits to the site per year for equipment maintenance with minimal impact to the surrounding local network.
This is discussed more in detail in the Transport and Construction Statement, which will be submitted with the application.
In this pre-application stage we have some independent specialist carrying out several surveys, some of which were explicitly required by the planning officer to address his main concerns. Once we submit the planning application, all surveys and reports will be available in the Staffordshire Moorlands Planning Application Portals.
The exact cable route is determined by the network operator and agreed with the Councils prior to construction. The network operator applies for a separate licence for this.
Kronos Solar is a German company with international operations. We have been a stable player in the deployment of large-scale solar farm projects for many years with a proven track record. We have experience developing ground-based solar farms on pasture, fallow land and former industrial areas.
We are one of the fastest growing developers in the market and are currently active on 4 continents, in 9 different countries. Other than the UK, we are also active in France, Germany and the Netherlands. We pride in our portfolio of over 60 developed projects and have a success rate in obtaining the planning permission of more than 90%.
Kronos’ success is based on a direct connection with the local stakeholders of our projects and a keen eye for quality and cost-effectiveness. As an independent developer, Kronos Solar is able to combine the most suitable locations, technologies and partners to realise responsible, sustainable, solar energy projects.
Due to the complexity of the projects, Kronos Solar chooses to be involved from A to Z, paying a lot of attention to cooperation with local parties and a sustainable integration of the landscape in order to create added value for the environment.
You can find more information on our website.
The best way to contact us is via the contact form on this website.