A solar farm is a large-scale renewable energy facility where large numbers of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are used to generate renewable electricity from the sun. In this case it is proposed to mount the panels on the ground.

Solar PV panels are made from semi-conducting materials which generate direct current (DC) electricity when there is sunlight/daylight. Even on cloudy days there is enough light for the panels to produce electricity. Solar panels are already in use on the rooftops of both commercial and domestic buildings around the country.

The proposed Blackwater Solar Farm will comprise of a c160MW solar farm on approximately 400 hectares of Blackwater Bog. It is also intended to construct a 110KV onsite substation which will connect, via 2.5km of underground cable, to the national grid at the existing 110KV ESB Networks at West Offaly Power Station for the proposed development.

The proposed solar farm will include approximately 24km of internal road network, approximately 3.5kms of which is intended for amenity use when the solar farm becomes operational. An additional 2.5km of dedicated amenity pathway and associated carparks is also proposed.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) panels will be mounted on metal frames, to a maximum height typically 3m above ground level.

Glint is a momentary flash of bright light, while Glare is a continuous source of bright light. Solar cells are designed to absorb light, not reflect it and therefore the potential for significant glint and glare will not arise as a result of the proposed development.

There will be some daytime noise during the construction phase; however, given the remoteness of the site and the short duration of construction (approx. 24 months), it is considered that noise emissions will not be an issue. When operational, the solar panels themselves will not produce noise as they operate silently. The inverter/transformer stations and main substation will emit only a very low level of noise and will be fully assessed as part of the application.

The construction will be broken into a number of phases including ground preparation, sub-station development and panel and inverter installation; this will be followed by testing and commissioning.

The solar farm will have a projected lifespan of 30 years and when a solar farm reaches the end of its operating lifespan, they can be removed and recycled.

We plan to submit the planning application for the solar farm to the Local Authority in the coming months.