Houston Solar Farm

Frequently Asked Questions

Solar PV
Ecology & Biodiversity
Local & National Energy Targets

Solar PV

 

How does Solar PV work?

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. It works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.

 

Benefits of Solar PV

• Installation period is faster than other traditional or renewable energy plants;
• Most efficient at peak times of day for energy usage;
• Clean, quiet and visually unobtrusive;
• Solar energy farms do not produce any pollution or emissions;
• Local and national CO2 production is reduced;
• Creates clean, renewable energy that will sustain and support the health of future generations;
• Supports national energy independence;
• The construction phase will result in job creation and increased expenditure in local shops, restaurants/cafes and hotels;
• The maintenance of the site will generate further opportunities for employment.

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Ecology & Biodiversity

 

Ecology & Biodiversity

Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil, largely undisturbed sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 40-year lifetime of the development. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained where possible as part of a sensitive design approach. Additional site-specific measures will seek to enhance the existing baseline ecological environment. These will be set out within a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site, which will form part of the suite of planning application documents. These measures enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.

Use of Agricultural Land

The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for seasonal grazing.

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Local & National Energy Targets

 

Local & National Energy Targets

The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In 2019, the Government legislated to commit the country to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels. To meet these commitments it is necessary to significantly expand renewable infrastructure and generate home grown, clean, low carbon energy to mitigate the impact of human activity on the climate and ensure the future security of the environment and generations to come.

In order to meet the 2050 emission targets, and more challenging targets recently at the UN climate change conference COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power it produces to move away from its dependence on fossil fuels. COP26 goal 1 outlines the need to invest in renewable energy to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions by 2050, together with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, can be achieved.

A further commitment by the UK Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 is set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021). The bar is continually rising and immediate action is needed to achieve such ambitious targets. The rising costs of energy due to demand after the COVID 19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have exacerbated the urgency of the UK’s need for energy security. The publication of the British Energy Security Strategy (2022) reaffirms the urgency of ensuring energy security and is central to setting out how Britain will reduce its dependency from fossil fuels. The strategy states the Government expects a five-fold increase in solar energy deployment by 2035.

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Public Consultation Process
Key Project Details
Key Components in the Proposed Development

Public Consultation Process

 

Public Consultation Process

Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.

We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community.

CLOSE

Key Project Details

 

Site Location

The site is located in two parts, north and south. The northern area is located north of House Road (B790) to the east of Houston. The southern area is located either side of Moss Road, south of the Houston Road and the River Gryfe. The site is on agricultural lands and is within the administrative boundary of Renfrewshire Council.

 

Size of the Site

The size of the site is 111 ha / 274 acres with areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed in.

 

Temporary Development

Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.

 

Site Access

The site will be accessed for construction from N Mains, a road off Houston Road (B790) and via Moss Road also off Houston Road. Houston Road connects to the wider road network.

 

Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic

The construction period is estimated to last for up to 4 months (16 weeks), with deliveries fluctuating within this period. It is envisaged that the majority of movements would be Monday to Friday with only a limited number of movements on a Saturday. There would be a higher level of traffic during weeks 8 – 15 with the highest cumulative total of deliveries occurring in Week 8. The development would give rise to a maximum of 22 delivery movements per day at the peak of the construction phase. Although the types of construction vehicles are subject to the contractor. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.

 

Decommissioning the site

At the end of the proposed 40-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Houston Solar Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:

  • Disconnecting and removal of all wiring, cables and electrical interconnections;
  • Dismantling and removal of the solar panels;
  • Dismantling and removal of mounting frames, including extraction of in ground support structures;
  • Demolition and removal of central inverter stations or mini-inverters;
  • Removal of fences and gates;
  • Reinstatement of land affected in accordance with best practice; and
  • Where possible, all of the proposed Houston Solar Farm components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor.

 

Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings

The Solar Park would have a capacity of approximately 50MW enough low carbon electricity to power nearly 18,000 homes in Renfrewshire every year.

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Key Components in the Proposed Development

 

What equipment will be used on site?

The following components are proposed for this solar farm:

Solar Panels

The proposed solar farm will be made up, principally, of dark blue or black solar panels. Each panel is approximately 2.4 x 1.3m. The solar panels will be arranged in a series of rows up to a height of 3.2m at the highest point and tilted southwards at an angle of, typically, 10 – 25 degrees from horizontal.

Inverters

Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). There will be approximately 25 inverters on the site in connection with the solar. The inverters are typically between 7 m to 10 m long x 2.2 m to 3 m wide x 2.2 m to 3 m high with a concrete base. To see photos of inverters, please visit the photos section.

Grid Connection 

The proposed solar farm will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement to connect to the substation which is located just to the south of the Site within the Johnstone 132/33 GSP.

Access Track

A 3.5 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the inverters and the substation compound.

Fencing

A 2.4m timber post and wire deer proof fence will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. Matching gates will be provided at key access points at the site.

CCTV

A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.

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Health and Safety

Health and Safety

 

Noise

Each inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.

 

Emissions

No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.

 

Landscape

Core Path BBH 1 runs through the centre of the north area along farm track from Chapel Road to River Gyffee via North Mains. Core Path LIN1 travels along Moss Road from Houston Road south to Linwood. At the point where this core path travels along Moss Road to the proposed site is closed to motorised traffic.

These Core Paths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development where possible.

 

Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?

There is no significant increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required. The majority of the solar farm remains open grassland as the features are not altered in any way. The solar farm infrastructure does not affect runoff volumes, with the use of driplines along the face of panels evenly dispersing surface water across the underlying grounds. In addition, the panels are raised on a pre-fabricated framework on screw-driven legs, so only approximately 5% of the ground surface is utilised.

CLOSE

Solar PV

Solar PV

 

How does Solar PV work?

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. It works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.

 

Benefits of Solar PV

• Installation period is faster than other traditional or renewable energy plants;
• Most efficient at peak times of day for energy usage;
• Clean, quiet and visually unobtrusive;
• Solar energy farms do not produce any pollution or emissions;
• Local and national CO2 production is reduced;
• Creates clean, renewable energy that will sustain and support the health of future generations;
• Supports national energy independence;
• The construction phase will result in job creation and increased expenditure in local shops, restaurants/cafes and hotels;
• The maintenance of the site will generate further opportunities for employment.

CLOSE
Ecology & Biodiversity

Ecology & Biodiversity

 

Ecology & Biodiversity

Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil, largely undisturbed sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 40-year lifetime of the development. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained where possible as part of a sensitive design approach. Additional site-specific measures will seek to enhance the existing baseline ecological environment. These will be set out within a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site, which will form part of the suite of planning application documents. These measures enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.

Use of Agricultural Land

The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for seasonal grazing.

CLOSE
Local & National Energy Targets

Local & National Energy Targets

 

Local & National Energy Targets

The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In 2019, the Government legislated to commit the country to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels. To meet these commitments it is necessary to significantly expand renewable infrastructure and generate home grown, clean, low carbon energy to mitigate the impact of human activity on the climate and ensure the future security of the environment and generations to come.

In order to meet the 2050 emission targets, and more challenging targets recently at the UN climate change conference COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power it produces to move away from its dependence on fossil fuels. COP26 goal 1 outlines the need to invest in renewable energy to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions by 2050, together with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, can be achieved.

A further commitment by the UK Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 is set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021). The bar is continually rising and immediate action is needed to achieve such ambitious targets. The rising costs of energy due to demand after the COVID 19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have exacerbated the urgency of the UK’s need for energy security. The publication of the British Energy Security Strategy (2022) reaffirms the urgency of ensuring energy security and is central to setting out how Britain will reduce its dependency from fossil fuels. The strategy states the Government expects a five-fold increase in solar energy deployment by 2035.

CLOSE
Public Consultation Process

Public Consultation Process

 

Public Consultation Process

Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.

We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community.

CLOSE
Key Project Details

Key Project Details

 

Site Location

The site is located in two parts, north and south. The northern area is located north of House Road (B790) to the east of Houston. The southern area is located either side of Moss Road, south of the Houston Road and the River Gryfe. The site is on agricultural lands and is within the administrative boundary of Renfrewshire Council.

 

Size of the Site

The size of the site is 111 ha / 274 acres with areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed in.

 

Temporary Development

Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.

 

Site Access

The site will be accessed for construction from N Mains, a road off Houston Road (B790) and via Moss Road also off Houston Road. Houston Road connects to the wider road network.

 

Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic

The construction period is estimated to last for up to 4 months (16 weeks), with deliveries fluctuating within this period. It is envisaged that the majority of movements would be Monday to Friday with only a limited number of movements on a Saturday. There would be a higher level of traffic during weeks 8 – 15 with the highest cumulative total of deliveries occurring in Week 8. The development would give rise to a maximum of 22 delivery movements per day at the peak of the construction phase. Although the types of construction vehicles are subject to the contractor. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.

 

Decommissioning the site

At the end of the proposed 40-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Houston Solar Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:

  • Disconnecting and removal of all wiring, cables and electrical interconnections;
  • Dismantling and removal of the solar panels;
  • Dismantling and removal of mounting frames, including extraction of in ground support structures;
  • Demolition and removal of central inverter stations or mini-inverters;
  • Removal of fences and gates;
  • Reinstatement of land affected in accordance with best practice; and
  • Where possible, all of the proposed Houston Solar Farm components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor.

 

Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings

The Solar Park would have a capacity of approximately 50MW enough low carbon electricity to power nearly 18,000 homes in Renfrewshire every year.

CLOSE
Key Components in the Proposed Development

Key Components in the Proposed Development

 

What equipment will be used on site?

The following components are proposed for this solar farm:

Solar Panels

The proposed solar farm will be made up, principally, of dark blue or black solar panels. Each panel is approximately 2.4 x 1.3m. The solar panels will be arranged in a series of rows up to a height of 3.2m at the highest point and tilted southwards at an angle of, typically, 10 – 25 degrees from horizontal.

Inverters

Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). There will be approximately 25 inverters on the site in connection with the solar. The inverters are typically between 7 m to 10 m long x 2.2 m to 3 m wide x 2.2 m to 3 m high with a concrete base. To see photos of inverters, please visit the photos section.

Grid Connection 

The proposed solar farm will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement to connect to the substation which is located just to the south of the Site within the Johnstone 132/33 GSP.

Access Track

A 3.5 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the inverters and the substation compound.

Fencing

A 2.4m timber post and wire deer proof fence will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. Matching gates will be provided at key access points at the site.

CCTV

A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.

CLOSE
Health and Safety

Health and Safety

 

Noise

Each inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.

 

Emissions

No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.

 

Landscape

Core Path BBH 1 runs through the centre of the north area along farm track from Chapel Road to River Gyffee via North Mains. Core Path LIN1 travels along Moss Road from Houston Road south to Linwood. At the point where this core path travels along Moss Road to the proposed site is closed to motorised traffic.

These Core Paths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development where possible.

 

Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?

There is no significant increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required. The majority of the solar farm remains open grassland as the features are not altered in any way. The solar farm infrastructure does not affect runoff volumes, with the use of driplines along the face of panels evenly dispersing surface water across the underlying grounds. In addition, the panels are raised on a pre-fabricated framework on screw-driven legs, so only approximately 5% of the ground surface is utilised.

CLOSE