Why Solar?

Renewable energy at lowest cost to the consumer¹

Tackling climate change by supporting the UK’s target of net zero by 2050

Specifically designed to be dual purpose, combining continued agricultural use and renewable generation

Quick to deploy

Modern, efficient technology allowing more electricity generation in less space

Diversification of agricultural business

Significant biodiversity enhancement opportunities, supporting new & existing plant & animal habitats

High level of public support²

Design Layout and Infrastructure

The plan to the right shows the preliminary layout for Leaford Solar Farm which will be capable of producing up to 30MW of clean, renewable electricity. The preliminary layout is based on initial findings from environmental and technical surveys which are ongoing. We are currently consulting on this layout and as such, it is subject to change.

In addition to the solar panels, the site infrastructure is expected to include:

• A network of on-site access tracks
• A substation/transformer with security fencing
• Inverters on hardstandings
• Potential energy storage facility
• Temporary construction compound(s)
• Deer fencing around the perimeter of the solar farm

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Environmental Considerations

RES design their solar farms so that they will fit sensitively in the surrounding landscape.

As part of the planning process, RES carries out a number of detailed technical and environmental surveys to ensure any potential impact upon the environment, landscape, heritage and local residents is appropriately assessed and mitigated. These assessments include:

• Landscape and Visual
• Ecology
• Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
• Flood risk
• Traffic and Transport
• Noise
• Glint and Glare

The results of these surveys, along with feedback from the local community and stakeholders, are taken into account as the design of the solar farm is refined and finalised. The assessments will accompany any planning application that is made.

Landscape and Ecology

The plan to the right shows a preliminary Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP).

The Preliminary LEMP illustrates our immediate and long-term commitment to deliver landscape planting, retain and enhance Public Rights of Way as well as the protection and enhancement of biodiversity around the site.

As the design progresses, the LEMP will be developed further with site-specific details on measures to enhance existing habitats, protect species and provide landscaping specifications for new vegetation in accordance with relevant standards.

In addition, the LEMP will provide information on the timings and aftercare regime for all planting.

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Delivery Route and Access

The equipment delivery route and access are important considerations when selecting a potential solar farm site.

The preliminary plan to the right shows the potential delivery route, and access point, currently under consideration which could be used for the delivery of materials and access for construction and maintenance.

We will consult with the Staffordshire Highways, Stafford Borough Council, local parish councils, the emergency services, the local community and other relevant bodies to produce a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) to support any future planning application. The CTMP would outline the overall framework for managing the safe movement of construction and delivery traffic as well as itemising the expected number of traffic movements and timing restrictions.

The traffic movements will be limited to avoid morning and evening peak times, where possible. There will also be a dedicated Community Liaison Officer to engage with local residents throughout the construction and operational phases, if the solar farm is consented.

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Public Rights of Way

RES understands the importance of the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) to the local community.

The preliminary design illustrates our commitment to retain and protect existing PRoW with appropriate buffers and setback distances applied. Landscape planting will also be proposed along existing PRoW to ensure the sense of openness is not compromised and to reduce potential visual impacts.

As part of the proposal, RES is investigating opportunities for improvements to the existing PRoW network, including the potential to create a permissive footpath. The plan below shows the existing PRoW and indicative locations for a new permissive footpath.

We are also keen to explore other opportunities for improvements to the Public Rights of Way network which can be considered as part of our proposal. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us know by filling in a comments form.

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How Solar Works and Recycling

Solar PV panels are typically made from silicon, which is a great semi-conductor, installed in a metal panel frame with a glass casing.

The sun gives off light, even on cloudy days, and when these light particles, or photons, hit the thin layer of silicon on the top of a solar panel, they knock electrons off the silicon atoms which creates a direct current (D C) of electricity. This is captured by the wiring in the solar panels.

This DC electricity is then converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter which is then funnelled into the grid network. AC is the type of electrical current used when you plug appliances into normal wall sockets.

Bifacial modules have two sides of solar cells, enabling additional energy generation from the diffuse light reflected off the grass, on the rear-side of the panels.

In most cases solar panels are recyclable and there are well established industrial processes to do this. There are organisations around the UK and Europe specialising in solar recycling, such as PV Cycle and the European Recycling Platform.

They are working with solar developers to minimise electrical waste and recycle old panels in line with the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations.