FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ: FAQ

WHAT IS SOLAR POWER?

Solar power is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world, it is electricity created by harnessing the energy from sunlight. Photovoltaic (PV) panels collect energy from the sun and generate green, clean electricity that can be stored in batteries or distributed through transmission lines to homes and businesses.

HOW DO SOLAR FARMS WORK?

Solar panels are the technology that converts sunlight into direct current electricity that passes through an inverter to be converted into alternative current (AC) electricity. This electricity is then distributed through the wider electricity grid network or stored in batteries to be used in homes or businesses.

HOW MANY SOLAR PANELS WILL BE ON THE SITE?

The proposed solar facility will incorporate approximately 50,500 solar PV panels on single-axis tracking systems. This technology allows the angle of the solar panels to track the sun throughout the day, increasing the overall energy yield and taking advantage of additional solar yield in the times of morning and evening peak electricity demand.

WILL THERE BE BATTERY STORAGE?

The proposed project is initially for a solar farm only, however there is provision in the Planning Permit application for an area to be allocated for a potential battery storage facility to be built within the perimeter of the proposed project in the future. This would enable energy generated during the day to be stored for later use during the evening peak.

HOW LONG WILL THE SOLAR FARM OPERATE?

Once operational, the GVCE Mooroopna Solar Farm will provide green electricity for 25 years.
There is provision in the lease to upgrade the project infrastructure and extend the project life for an additional 25 years.

IS THE PROJECT READY TO BE BUILT?

GVCE Mooroopna Solar Farm requires planning approval from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) through a Planning Permit. The planning application was submitted in August 2020.
Following application submission, DELWP will run a formal public exhibition process, and is anticipated to make a final decision within the first half of 2021.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROJECT TAKE TO BE BUILT?

The project is currently in planning and design stage, with construction expected to commence in 2022. Construction is expected to take between 6-9 months, and is anticipated to be operational by 2023.

HOW MANY JOBS WILL BE CREATED?

There will be around 50 direct and 50 indirect jobs created during development and construction.
There will be approximately 5 direct and 5 indirect ongoing jobs created during the 25 year operational life.

WHAT JOBS WILL BE AVAILABLE?

The skills required are varied - job opportunities include civil works, concrete works, fencing, labouring, landscaping, and more.
Employment and/or contracting enquiries can be submitted via the online Contact Us form or via email on <contact@gvcemooroopnasolar.com>.

HOW WILL THE SOLAR FARM CONNECT INTO THE GRID?

Preliminary grid connection studies with Powercor have commenced. The exact grid connection configuration will be determined in the coming months.

ARE SOLAR FARMS NOISY?

Solar farms are relatively quiet places. The highest noise emitting components are the inverters, tracking systems and switching station, which operate in the 50-65db range. In line with DELWP Planning Permit guidelines, GVCE Mooroopna Solar Farm is currently conducting a noise assessment to ensure compliance with regulatory noise limits.

Audible noise and vibration will be present during construction and decommissioning. The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor will be required to formulate an Environment Management Plan (EMP) which will include a plan for noise and vibration management during construction, operations and decommissioning in line with the State Planning Guidelines.

DO SOLAR FARMS CREATE HEAT?

A number of national and international research studies have been conducted on large-scale solar farms and the impact on temperature. Overwhelmingly, studies have concluded that heat island effect is not applicable outside the perimeter of the solar farm, and that natural convection will take any warm air upward.

Our landscaping plan will include a 10m vegetation buffer around the perimeter of the solar farm. In addition, the western boundary is buffered by the railway line and Toolamba Road, and the southern boundary is buffered by a retardation basin.

ARE GLINT AND GLARE A PROBLEM FOR SOLAR FARMS?

Solar panels are designed to absorb light rather than reflect it and studies conducted on operating farms have shown there is no significant glare issues.
As part of the Planning Permit application process, GVCE Mooroopna Solar Farm has engaged AECOM to prepare an independent glint and glare assessment, highlighting there is only minimal glint and glare impact for a small number of receptors. This minor impact will be mitigated through landscaping and visual screening with native vegetation, and utilisation of anti-reflective coating on each solar panel.

IS THERE AN INCREASED FIRE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH SOLAR FARMS?

There is no additional fire risk associated with solar farms. The solar farm has been designed following the comprehensive Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) guidelines for renewable energy facilities released in February 2019, and a Bushfire Risk Management Plan has been drafted and will be followed throughout development, construction and operation of the project.

WILL THERE BE FLOODLIGHTING AT NIGHT?

There will only be minimal sensor-activated lighting installed around the perimeter security fence of the solar farm, which will be active throughout construction and operations.

Construction will only occur during daytime hours, removing the need for floodlights at night.

WHAT MAKES THIS PROJECT EXCITING FOR THE GOULBURN VALLEY COMMUNITY?

Solar farms create an exciting and pioneering opportunity to generate renewable energy in regional areas close to the point of consumption.

This ‘Produce Locally, Consume Locally’ philosophy is an exciting way to generate not only local jobs, but also locally sourced clean, green electricity for the Goulburn Valley region.

HOW CAN I HAVE MY VOICE HEARD?

A community information session was held on Sunday 8th December 2019 1:00-5:00pm at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre to welcome local community feedback and ideas into the project.

You are also welcome to contact our project team via the online Contact Us form, email via contact@gvcemooroopnasolar.com, or phone on (03) 5826 2219.