Energy from the sun is collected by Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels by allowing particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms to generate a flow of electricity . These are finished in blue/black and are designed to maximise the capture of solar energy. They produce no noise, or vibration and operate even in cloudy conditions. The energy from the sun is converted through inverters and transformers to the form of electricity supplied by the National Grid. Once installed, solar farms require little maintenance and the land between and around the solar panels can continue to be used for grazing animals.

The proposed solar farm would have a capacity up to 22.5MWp which is enough electricity to power around 5,768  homes a year, equivalent to 9% of the Braintree district. This is the same as boiling 239,482,980 kettles or charging 598,707 Nissan Leaf electric cars.

Nissan Leaf Standard model with a 40kW battery: https://ev-database.uk/car/1106/Nissan-Leaf

Household data from BEIS - Using Mean Electricity Usage figures by Local Authority: http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sub-national-electricity-consumption-data/

The proposed installation would have a rated capacity of 22.5MWp, saving approximately 5,553 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a major contributor to global warming, causing climate change. That is why the Government has committed to reduce carbon emissions. In June 2019, parliament passed legislation requiring the government to reduce the UK's net emissions of greenhouse gases by 100% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. Doing so would make the UK a 'net-zero' emitter.
The UK is currently not on track to meet its previous, less ambitious, target of 80% emissions reductions by 2050. Getting to net-zero will require much more action and in May 2019 the Committee on Climate Change said the UK government's policy actions "[fell] well short of those required for the net-zero target". The government announced a number of policy updates throughout 2020 culminating in a new energy white paper 'powering our net-zero future'. Amongst the ambitions and targets are headline grabbing measures such as bringing forward the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, however the paper recognises the basis of a low carbon net-zero electricity system is crucial in the transition and will be delivered most significantly by wind and solar generation.

Greenhouse gas reporting: Conversion Factors 2021: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2021

The use of land for a solar farm does not mean that land becomes "brownfield" land, so there is no increased possibility for the land to be built on. Conditions are generally placed on any solar farm planning permission so that when energy generation ceases, the site is returned to its previous agricultural use.

Where possible, we try to offer local jobs and supply contracts when we get to the construction, operation and maintenance phase of running our sites. The project will also contribute business rates to the local council.
More broadly we are providing a renewable energy source for future generations, maintaining supply and adding to the UK's energy security. Not only this, but onshore wind and Solar PV are now the cheapest form of electricity generation and will help to lower prices.
Once built, solar energy farms also provide great opportunities for enhancement measures for wildlife. We aim for a biodiversity net gain by improving the quality, quantity and variety of habitats to support and improve the Iocal environment.

BEIS electricity generation costs 2020: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beis-electricity-generation-costs-2020

Placing solar farms on flat or gentle slopes helps to minimise its appearance in the landscape. Existing natural screening is sought and additional planting further helps to reduce visibility. Solar panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible, not to reflect light away. A landscape and visual impact assessment is commissioned for all solar farm planning applications and accompanies the planning application.

The site was selected in reflection of the primary site criteria for solar farms, which are:

• A suitable electrical connection -it must be technically and economically viable to connect the site to the local electrical distribution system;
• There is a suitable solar resource -taking into account site orientation and absence of excessive shading;
• Land is available- the landowner supports the development and is prepared to enter into an arrangement to accommodate the proposal;
• Site sensitivities and potential impacts of development-there must be no clear barriers to potential development and a relatively low impact on the local area.
• Road access -there must be adequate access to the site from the national road system for delivery and construction purposes;

Most solar farms include planting and management schemes that enable a biodiversity net gain from the project. Hedgerow planting can provide important corridors for many species to use, including hedgehogs, birds and bats. Allowing some areas of grassland to grow rank may not look tidy, but is just what a lot of small insects and reptiles love. A solar farm can provide a greater mix of habitats than would otherwise be found and most solar farms now have a management plan in place to look after the wildlife value of the site.

Work during the construction phase will be controlled through conditions placed on a planning permission. These generally include matters such as the hours of working, routes to be used by vehicles, and storage of materials during construction. Following construction and commissioning of the installation, very little maintenance is required, and this would generally only need a visit using a van the size of a Transit or smaller. Construction will take roughly 4 months to complete.

The development will be designed to operate for around 40 years.

At the end of the project's lifetime, all equipment will be removed from the site. The decommissioning process takes approximately the same time as the installation process. Equipment removed is reused or recycled and the land returned to agricultural use.

As solar panels have no moving parts, they require minimal maintenance. A remote monitoring system notifies us should a fault arise. A maintenance team will typically visit the site once or twice a month to inspect and maintain the equipment and land.

The solar farm will be fenced off and CCTV in operation viewing the boundaries and interior of the development.

No, the only moving parts on UK solar farms are the fans in the inverter station. The fan within the inverter is the same size and rating of a fan that is found in most domestic bathrooms.