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

The plan to the right shows the preliminary layout for Shipmeadow Solar Farm which will be capable of producing 40MW of clean and renewable electricity.

The preliminary layout is based on initial findings from environmental and technical surveys which are ongoing during September to December 2022.

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 hardstanding;
• Temporary construction compound; and
• Deer fencing around the perimeter of the solar farm.

                                  Click on image to enlarge

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 Effects
• Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
• Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Agricultural Land Classification
• Transport and Access
• Flood risk and Drainage
• Glint and Glare
• Arboriculture
• Noise
• Cumulative Effects

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.

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

The p-reliminary 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.

Click on image to enlarge

Click on image to enlarge

Access is an important consideration when selecting a potential solar farm site.

A transport survey is ongoing and consultation with Suffolk Highways is pending. The preliminary plan to the left shows the potential access route currently under consideration which could be used for delivery of materials and access for construction and maintenance.

We will consult with the Suffolk Highways, East Suffolk 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 outlines 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.

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

Site surveys and consultation with the local authority are ongoing to identify the location of existing PRoW. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will include the assessment of potential impact from the proposed solar farm on existing PRoW. The design of Shipmeadow Solar Farm will include a setback/buffer between the solar infrastructure and existing PRoW. Landscape planting will be proposed along paths 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 creation of permissive paths. The plan below shows the existing PRoW and indicative locations for additional new Permissive Paths.

We are keen to develop this in collaboration with the community, outdoor recreation groups and the local authority. To provide feedback please complete a comments form.

Click on image to enlarge

Solar PV panels are typically made from silicon, which is a great semi-conductor, installed in a fixed 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.