Laurel Ridge Solar Farm

Solar energy farms are ground mounted installations that range in size. The solar panels are mounted onto a framing system, which is installed on the ground. The solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert daylight into electricity. 

We understand that noise can be a concern for the community, and we want to reassure you that any noise during the construction phase will be short-term and carefully managed. Once the solar farm is operational, the solar panels themselves are silent, while the inverters and transformers produce only low-level noise. These will be positioned well away from local homes to avoid any impact. As part of our commitment to being a good neighbour, a detailed noise assessment will be included in the planning application to ensure we meet all safety and comfort standards

Solar panels produce energy from daylight rather than sunlight, so they continue to produce electricity even when the weather is overcast.

We carefully design and position the panels to minimise glint and glare as much as possible. By taking into account the location of nearby properties and the surrounding landscape, we reduce any potential impact to a minor level. A detailed Glint and Glare Report will be submitted as part of the planning application to ensure this is addressed thoughtfully and responsibly.

Solar panels are relatively low-lying, typically standing between 2 and 3.5 metres high, which is lower than many natural features in the landscape. While you may see the panels from time to time when moving around the area, nearby homes will be well screened from the solar farm. We will improve the existing hedgerows around the site and add additional planting to help provide even more screening from local roads and any other visiually sensitive locations. The exisiting hedgerows and new planting will be looked after and kept at a height of 3 to 4 metres. Additionally, the solar panels will be at least 60 metres away from any home.

We start with a site feasibility assessment, which has already identified this site as a suitable place for a solar farm. We then move into a consultation and surveying phase, where we gather information and opinions on the proposal. Among other things, we assess the environmental, visual, and ecological impact of the site and consult with the local community, the council, and relevant public authorities. This information finalises the design and associated reports that are submitted with a planning application. The local authority will then follow their processes to determine the application, which concludes with permission either being granted or refused. 

Solar projects are carefully planned to ensure they do not interfere with the primary agricultural use of the land. In fact, many solar farms are designed to integrate with agricultural activities, such as sheep grazing beneath solar panels. This approach allows the land to continue contributing to food production while simultaneously generating clean energy.

After the lease, BayWa r.e. will decommission the solar farm and return the land to the farmer in its original condition. Any land classed as agricultural that hosts a solar farm maintains its classification throughout the course of the lease.

Moreover, the total land required to meet Ireland’s solar energy targets is minimal: only about 0.2% of Ireland’s agricultural land. This small proportion of land use ensures that the impact on food production is negligible, while the benefits of clean, renewable energy are substantial.

During the construction phase, there will be a temporary increase in traffic, but we’ll work hard to keep any disruption to a minimum. A detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan will be put in place to manage vehicle movements safely and efficiently. Throughout the entire construction period, a dedicated Community Liaison Officer will be available to keep you informed about delivery schedules and traffic management measures, ensuring you are always up to date with any developments. Once the solar farm is up and running, it will be an unmanned facility monitored remotely. Occasional vehicle visits will be required for maintenance, but day-to-day traffic impact will be minimal.

In general, solar farms are considered to be very positive for biodiversity, as they can be incorporated into the landscape with relatively little intervention, require very little maintenance and have minimal impact on bird and animal species living on site or migrating through the site.  

Energy storage systems are one of the ways in which we can progress with decarbonisation of our energy infrastructure. This technology enables the use of renewable energy to happen more easily and flexibly. Energy generated by renewable energy sources can be stored in a storage system if the demand for electricity at that point in time is low. The energy can then be discharged back into the National Grid at times of higher demand. This also helps to secure a supply of domestically generated electricity into the local distribution network at a time of increased energy uncertainties due to dependencies on foreign supply.

There is no credible evidence to suggest that solar farms pose any health or safety risks. At BayWa r.e., we take health and safety seriously, ensuring that all aspects of the project meet the highest standards. Once installed, solar panels generate electricity without emitting harmful substances, pollutants, or greenhouse gases. Unlike fossil fuels, solar panels do not contribute to air or water pollution during their operation, making them a clean and safe source of energy.