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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The targets for the generation of renewable energy are very ambitions and we need to pick up the pace. The United Kingdom wants to reduce its emissions by 80% by 2050 and solar photovoltaics has an important role to play: 80GW need to be installed in the next 40 years and every council needs to play its part. A solar farm of this size will enable the Councils to take a major step towards achieving these objectives.
One of the first surveys we conducted was the arboricultural survey which informed the module layout. These documents will be provided with the application. In our proposed layout we will respect the Root Protection Areas suggested by the specialist and we do not intend to fell trees or remove any hedgerows, unless recommended by a specialist. Footpaths along the solar farm have been respected and existing tracks have been proposed as access and maintenance roads through the layout, avoiding the need to remove hedgerows and trees.
We want to do good for the community. We aspire to do so without influencing the planning system and we do not want to do anything unlawful. Therefore, any community compensation will be discussed with the Local Planning Authorities and the Parish Councils.
It is clear for us that when we benefit, the local community shall benefit as well. This could be by means of co-investment, co-purchasing of panels, and by making financial contributions such as sponsorships and donations e.g. solar panels for local school. We are open to hearing your ideas on this matter, and welcome your formal proposals.
We submitted a screening opinion request to the Planning Officers and both Districts have confirmed that no Environmental Impact Assessment is requered for this scheme.