When selecting a site for a solar project, several key criteria are considered to ensure the project's feasibility and minimise its impact on the environment:
• Environmental and Planning Designations: Sites are reviewed for statutory designations and potential environmental impacts. Sites near sensitive areas, such as nature reserves, protected habitats, or historical landmarks, are generally avoided.
• Flood Risk Assessment: Sites are assessed for flood risks. Projects are often placed in low-risk areas or equipped with drainage strategies to manage runoff and avoid worsening flooding elsewhere.
• Agricultural Land Quality: Projects typically use lower-quality agricultural land (Grades 3 and 4) to avoid impacting high-quality farmland. The ability to return the land to agricultural use after decommissioning is also considered.
• Proximity to Roads and Residential Areas: The site should be accessible for construction and maintenance while minimising visual and noise impacts on residential communities.
• Existing Screening and Topography: Natural barriers, such as hedgerows or trees, and landscape features can help visually integrate the development into the local environment.
• Proximity to Grid Connection: Sites located near substations or existing transmission lines simplify the connection process and reduce the project's footprint.
• Glint and Glare Analysis: Potential impacts on nearby properties, roads, or aviation routes are studied, and the site layout is adjusted to reduce glare where necessary.
• Footpaths and Rights of Way: Existing rights of way are preserved and incorporated into the design, with any temporary closures coordinated with local authorities.