FAQS
SOLAR
How long does it take to build a solar farm?
What technology does Neoen use to build its solar farms?
All components come with long warranty periods; solar panels and inverters are generally warrantied for 20 to 25 years.
What is the life cycle of a solar farm?
How does solar generation work?
How high are solar panels?
The top of the panels will be about 4 metres from the ground.
How do you stop the solar facilities from impacting our landscape?
Will the solar panels generate glare?
How is any potential fire risk managed?
ECONOMY
Do solar farms benefit the Australian/local economy?
How much do renewables cost compared with other energy sources?
- Existing coal: approximately $40 per megawatt hour
- Combined gas-cycle: approximately $75 per megawatt hour
- New coal: approximately $130 per megawatt hour
Who pays for any transmission upgrades required?
Do solar farms result in a decrease in electricity prices?
Does Neoen require government subsidies to build its projects?
Who assesses the projects?
We work closely with governments to ensure we meet all legal requirements and exceed these requirements wherever possible.
Health And Culture
Are there any health risks associated with solar farms?
No health issues have been associated with solar panels and the Goorambat Stewarton Solar Farms would use the same type of technology. High voltage infrastructure would remain along the existing transmission line and would not increase health risks.
Can solar farms’ noise affect local residents?
Will the project reduce air quality?
Visual observation of machinery is undertaken during site inspections in addition to daily pre-start checks which ensure all machinery has appropriate emission control devices, is in good working order and is maintained correctly.
Is cultural heritage taken into consideration?
Environment
Do solar farms impact on flora and fauna?
On all of our projects, we aim to minimise the impact on flora and fauna by designing projects to be constructed outside areas of high conservation significance and adopting control measures during the construction process.
Other mitigation measures include preparing management plans, identifying ‘no-go zones’ within the project site and conducting pre-clearance surveys. Neoen also consults with government departments of environment and biodiversity throughout the development, construction and operational stages of projects, as well as local non-government organisations.
Do solar farms affect farm/domestic animals?
Sheep take a couple of days to get used to the site, and then are very comfortable with them – they use the shade from the solar arrays during summer.