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Consultation and public exhibition
RES completed a comprehensive pre-application engagement programme in order to proactively inform and engage with the local community and key stakeholders.
The feedback was taking into account along with the results of site surveys and assessments, as we refined the design. In 2023, we held a public exhibition in the local area to enable people to find out more about the proposal and provide us with their views. RES staff were available to answer any questions or queries, and comment forms were available to gather feedback. Comments will still be accepted, please contact us for more information.
All information provided at the public exhibition is also available to view below.
Why Solar?
Renewable energy at lowest cost to the consumer1 Tackling climate change by supporting the UK’s target of net zero by 2050 Specifically designed to be dual purpose, combining continued agricultural use and renewable generation Quick to deploy Modern, efficient technology allowing more electricity generation in less space Diversification of agricultural business Significant biodiversity enhancement opportunities, supporting new & existing plant & animal habitats High level of public support2 |
Design Layout and Infrastructure
The plan to the right shows the preliminary layout for Magheralin Solar Farm which will be capable of producing up to 29.9MW of clean, renewable electricity. The preliminary layout is based on initial findings from environmental and technical surveys which are ongoing. We are currently consulting on this layout and as such, it is subject to change. In addition to the solar panels, the site infrastructure is expected to include:
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Environmental Considerations
RES design their solar farms so that they will fit sensitively in the surrounding landscape. As part of the planning process, RES carries out a number of detailed technical and environmental surveys to ensure any potential impact upon the environment, landscape, heritage and local residents is appropriately assessed and mitigated. These assessments include:
The results of these surveys, along with feedback from the local community and stakeholders, are taken into account as the design of the solar farm is refined and finalised. The assessments will accompany any planning application that is made. |
Landscape and Ecology
The plan to the right shows a preliminary Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP). The preliminary LEMP illustrates our immediate and long-term commitment to deliver landscape planting as well as the protection and enhancement of biodiversity around the site. As the design progresses, the LEMP will be developed further with site-specific details on measures to enhance existing habitats, protect species and provide landscaping specifications for new vegetation in accordance with relevant standards. In addition, the LEMP will provide information on the timings and aftercare regime for all planting for the lifetime of the proposed Magheralin Solar Farm, if it is consented. |
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Transport and Access
Access is an important consideration when selecting a potential solar farm site. The preliminary plan to the right shows the potential access route currently under consideration which could be used for the delivery of materials and access for construction and maintenance. A transport survey is ongoing and we will consult with Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads, the emergency services, the local community and other relevant bodies to produce a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) to support any future planning application. The CTMP outlines the overall framework for managing the safe movement of construction and delivery traffic as well as itemising the expected number of traffic movements and timing restrictions. The traffic movements will be limited to avoid morning and evening peak times, where possible. There will also be a dedicated Community Liaison Officer to engage with local residents throughout the construction and operational phases, if the solar farm is consented. |
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How Solar Works
Solar PV panels are typically made from silicon, which is a great semi-conductor, installed in a metal panel frame with a glass casing. The sun gives off light, even on cloudy days, and when these light particles, or photons, hit the thin layer of silicon on the top of a solar panel, they knock electrons off the silicon atoms which creates a direct current (D C) of electricity. This is captured by the wiring in the solar panels. This DC electricity is then converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter which is then funnelled into the grid network. AC is the type of electrical current used when you plug appliances into normal wall sockets. Bifacial modules have two sides of solar cells, enabling additional energy generation from the diffuse light reflected off the grass, on the rear-side of the panels. In most cases solar panels are recyclable and there are well established industrial processes to do this. There are organisations around the UK and Europe specialising in solar recycling, such as PV Cycle and the European Recycling Platform. They are working with solar developers to minimise electrical waste and recycle old panels in line with the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations. |
Please note that comments submitted to RES at this time are not representations to the determining authority (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council).
1 hhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6556027d046ed400148b99fe/electricity-generation-costs-2023.pdf
2 https://solarenergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Copper-Consultancy_Solar-Energy-UK_Public-attitudes-to-solar_January-2022.pdf