Solar Farm Development

Farming is changing…with income diversity for farmers or large land area owners driving the change, a new kind of farming practice is gaining a lot of interest that doesn’t require the manual effort of traditional farming.

Ideal parcels of land with solar panels extending across several acres or hectares are known as solar farms. They are used to assist the statewide electricity distribution network to generate large amounts of solar energy, and in some cases also store the energy on-site through commercial grade batteries, to distribute to residential communities and commercial operations alike.

In contrast to small-scale solar panels, which are often used to power a single home for example, solar farms are designed for the large-scale production of solar energy that feeds directly into the existing electricity network.

The financial benefits of installing a solar farm on an existing farm are certainly worth exploring, meaning a worthy return on investment is viable in comparison to existing traditional farming practices that require continued inputs such as labour and other resources, let alone money…of course every site is analysed based on it’s own merit

The interest that Atlas Renewables has received from farmers considering this option is based primarily around the low maintenance involved, electricity bill savings, and the reassurance of a guaranteed income. The lease period for most solar farms is in the vicinity of 20-25 years, and the operating life-cycle of the components is in line with this period, giving peace of mind to the tenure of the arrangement.

By installing solar equipment on your farm, generally the value of the property will be positively affected.

There are a few things to consider however before getting started?

• A geotechnical analysis must be done to determine land stability which is paramount to the overall success.
• Up to 5 degrees flat or gently sloping incline to the south promoting orientation to the north.
• Suitable ground, solid to the point of not needing excessive ground works.
• Electricity network infrastructure nearby.
• Above a 100-year floodplain level.
• Visual impact considerations of nearby residences.
• Free of shade from nearby trees.

If you’d like to know more about either a large scale solar farm, or installing a solar system on your property, please let us know by clicking on the link below.