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.
Ecology & Biodiversity
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 where possible as part of a sensitive design approach. Additional site-specific measures will seek to enhance the existing baseline ecological environment. These will be set out within a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site, which will form part of the suite of planning application documents. These measures 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 arable crop cultivation. Following an Agricultural Land Classification survey, the Site was classified as mostly Grade 3b land and 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 these commitments it is necessary to significantly expand renewable infrastructure and generate home grown, clean, low carbon energy to mitigate the impact of human activity on the climate and ensure the future security of the environment and generations to come.
In order to meet the 2050 emission targets, and more challenging targets recently at the UN climate change conference COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power it produces to move away from its dependence on fossil fuels. COP26 goal 1 outlines the need to invest in renewable energy to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions by 2050, together with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, can be achieved.
A further commitment by the UK Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 is set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021). The bar is continually rising and immediate action is needed to achieve such ambitious targets. The rising costs of energy due to demand after the COVID 19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have exacerbated the urgency of the UK’s need for energy security. The publication of the British Energy Security Strategy (2022) reaffirms the urgency of ensuring energy security and is central to setting out how Britain will reduce its dependency from fossil fuels. The strategy states the Government expects a five-fold increase in solar energy deployment by 2035.
At a local scale, East Riding of Yorkshire sit on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission which supports climate action across the Yorkshire and Humber. As a region Yorkshire and Humber have a target of reaching net zero by 2038, with significant progress being achieved by 2030. The targets commit to a 68% reduction on the 2000 level of emissions by 2025, an 84% reduction by 2030, and a 92% reduction by 2035 and 100% reduction by 2038. The Commission intends to decarbonise the whole of the energy system across the region and in November 2021 the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Plan was published, of which Action 32 ‘supports the greatly accelerated decarbonisation of energy supply’.
The Yorkshire and Humber Climate commission’s declaration to be net zero by 2038 is significantly more ambitious, by 12 years, than the Government’s and International targets to be net zero by 2050. The development will generate electricity with a negligible carbon footprint and contribute to the acceleration of decarbonisation at local, national and international scales.
CLOSE
Public Consultation Process
Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.
We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community.
A community consultation open day will be held on Tuesday 23rd June 2022 at Driffield Community Centre (Mill Street, Driffield, YO25 6TR) between 3pm-7pm, during which team members and project specialists will be available to discuss the project.
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Site Location
The Site is located on lands which at their western edge are located adjacent to and accessing onto the A164 Beverley Road. At their northern point the lands extend as far as Poundsworth, Beverley Road. At their southern point the lands extend as far as Old Gawdy Hall, Driffield Road. The eastern boundary adjoins the Hull to Scarborough railway line. The village of Hutton is located approximately 0.6km to the south and the town of Driffield is located approximately 0.7km north. The site is within the administrative boundary of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is approximately 75 hectares / 185 acres.
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 and operation from existing entrance points onto the A164 Beverley Road. Where required these access points will be upgraded to facilitate construction traffic.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 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 worth noting that oversized loads will not be required to facilitate construction at the site
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 Sunderlandwick Solar 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 Park would have a capacity of approximately 49.9MW, enough low carbon electricity to power 12,000 homes in the East Riding area every year.
Proposed local community benefit fund
Elgin are open to discussing and exploring opportunities for local community benefits and would welcome engagement and suggestions in this regard as part of the pre-application consultation process.
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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, 15 – 25 degrees from horizontal. The front (bottom) edge of the panels will be typically 0.8m above the existing ground level and within a range of 500mm to 1.2m depending on topography . Rows of panels will be separated by spaces of between 2 and 8 metres, again depending on topography.
Inverters
Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). There will be approximately 24 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 require a Distribution and client-side (on-site) substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement to connect to the substation which is located just to the north of the Site. This connection does not form part of the planning application.
Access Track
The development will utilise existing agricultural lanes for servicing purposes in so far as is reasonably possible. Access will also be achievable during construction and operation via tractor and 4 x 4 vehicles around the periphery of existing fields where buffers to existing field boundaries will be designed into development proposals. This approach ensures the extent of new tracks are minimised. Where required a 4 m wide permeable stone access track will be installed to provide access to the inverters and the substation compound.
Fencing
A 2.45m timber post and wire deer proof fence will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. As part of a “best in class” approach the fence will be raised 10cm off the ground as an environmental mitigation measure to ensure unrestricted passage for small foraging mammals. 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 for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A full landscape and visual impact assessment will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development where possible.
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.
Ecology & Biodiversity
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 where possible as part of a sensitive design approach. Additional site-specific measures will seek to enhance the existing baseline ecological environment. These will be set out within a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site, which will form part of the suite of planning application documents. These measures 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 arable crop cultivation. Following an Agricultural Land Classification survey, the Site was classified as mostly Grade 3b land and 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 these commitments it is necessary to significantly expand renewable infrastructure and generate home grown, clean, low carbon energy to mitigate the impact of human activity on the climate and ensure the future security of the environment and generations to come.
In order to meet the 2050 emission targets, and more challenging targets recently at the UN climate change conference COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power it produces to move away from its dependence on fossil fuels. COP26 goal 1 outlines the need to invest in renewable energy to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions by 2050, together with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, can be achieved.
A further commitment by the UK Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 is set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021). The bar is continually rising and immediate action is needed to achieve such ambitious targets. The rising costs of energy due to demand after the COVID 19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have exacerbated the urgency of the UK’s need for energy security. The publication of the British Energy Security Strategy (2022) reaffirms the urgency of ensuring energy security and is central to setting out how Britain will reduce its dependency from fossil fuels. The strategy states the Government expects a five-fold increase in solar energy deployment by 2035.
At a local scale, East Riding of Yorkshire sit on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission which supports climate action across the Yorkshire and Humber. As a region Yorkshire and Humber have a target of reaching net zero by 2038, with significant progress being achieved by 2030. The targets commit to a 68% reduction on the 2000 level of emissions by 2025, an 84% reduction by 2030, and a 92% reduction by 2035 and 100% reduction by 2038. The Commission intends to decarbonise the whole of the energy system across the region and in November 2021 the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Plan was published, of which Action 32 ‘supports the greatly accelerated decarbonisation of energy supply’.
The Yorkshire and Humber Climate commission’s declaration to be net zero by 2038 is significantly more ambitious, by 12 years, than the Government’s and International targets to be net zero by 2050. The development will generate electricity with a negligible carbon footprint and contribute to the acceleration of decarbonisation at local, national and international scales.
CLOSE
Public Consultation Process
Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.
We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community.
A community consultation open day will be held on Tuesday 23rd June 2022 at Driffield Community Centre (Mill Street, Driffield, YO25 6TR) between 3pm-7pm, during which team members and project specialists will be available to discuss the project.
CLOSE
Site Location
The Site is located on lands which at their western edge are located adjacent to and accessing onto the A164 Beverley Road. At their northern point the lands extend as far as Poundsworth, Beverley Road. At their southern point the lands extend as far as Old Gawdy Hall, Driffield Road. The eastern boundary adjoins the Hull to Scarborough railway line. The village of Hutton is located approximately 0.6km to the south and the town of Driffield is located approximately 0.7km north. The site is within the administrative boundary of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is approximately 75 hectares / 185 acres.
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 and operation from existing entrance points onto the A164 Beverley Road. Where required these access points will be upgraded to facilitate construction traffic.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 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 worth noting that oversized loads will not be required to facilitate construction at the site
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 Sunderlandwick Solar 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 Park would have a capacity of approximately 49.9MW, enough low carbon electricity to power 12,000 homes in the East Riding area every year.
Proposed local community benefit fund
Elgin are open to discussing and exploring opportunities for local community benefits and would welcome engagement and suggestions in this regard as part of the pre-application consultation process.
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, 15 – 25 degrees from horizontal. The front (bottom) edge of the panels will be typically 0.8m above the existing ground level and within a range of 500mm to 1.2m depending on topography . Rows of panels will be separated by spaces of between 2 and 8 metres, again depending on topography.
Inverters
Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). There will be approximately 24 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 require a Distribution and client-side (on-site) substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement to connect to the substation which is located just to the north of the Site. This connection does not form part of the planning application.
Access Track
The development will utilise existing agricultural lanes for servicing purposes in so far as is reasonably possible. Access will also be achievable during construction and operation via tractor and 4 x 4 vehicles around the periphery of existing fields where buffers to existing field boundaries will be designed into development proposals. This approach ensures the extent of new tracks are minimised. Where required a 4 m wide permeable stone access track will be installed to provide access to the inverters and the substation compound.
Fencing
A 2.45m timber post and wire deer proof fence will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. As part of a “best in class” approach the fence will be raised 10cm off the ground as an environmental mitigation measure to ensure unrestricted passage for small foraging mammals. 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 for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A full landscape and visual impact assessment will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development where possible.
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.