Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is a new solar farm needed here in Scotland?
Scotland is committed to achieving net zero by 2045. As part of this progression towards decarbonisation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, there is a need to invest in renewable technology and make the UK an independent and self-sufficient energy producing nation.Solar is one of the cheapest sources of new electricity generation, and therefore will play a key role in improving Scotland’s energy security, while supporting the transition away from fossil fuels. Angus is also one of the sunniest places in Scotland, making it ideal for solar farms.
As Scotland strives to be a net-zero carbon economy by 2045, solar is not just an option, it is a necessity as part of a balanced energy mix. Solar is a great resource to assist in this transition as it is free and an inexhaustible resource.
Solar energy enables electricity generation without reliance on imports and is not subject to sudden price fluctuations or the uncertainty of global markets. Alongside other renewable technologies, solar is now the cheapest source of electricity generation.
What is the proposal?
The proposal is for a 49.9MW solar development at Fallaws Farm in Arbirlot, which is approximately 5km west of Arbroath. The solar farm would produce enough energy to power around 15,000 homes1. The energy generated will be connected via a new 33kV link to the Arbroath substation. You can view our current design layout here.
Why are you developing here?
The site has been chosen as it has good solar irradiation levels, lies outside of any statutory environmental, archaeological and landscape designations with a viable grid connection. It is also situated in one of the sunniest areas of Scotland with proximity to an available low voltage grid connection. An Alternatives Assessment is being undertaken and the results will be included in any future planning application.
What does solar offer that it is different to wind or hydro production, for example?
Solar is a free and inexhaustible resource which has an important role to play as part of a balanced energy mix.By producing solar energy domestically, Scotland can secure our energy market for the future and become less reliant on expensive foreign gas imports for electricity and heating.
Large-scale solar, alongside other renewable technologies, is now the cheapest form of electricity generation. Solar can be deployed quickly and delivered at lower costs than hydro, marine technologies, and nuclear.
Moreover, solar supports British farmers, as the energy provides income diversification that helps keep local farmers in business, allowing them to continue to invest locally, employ locally and farm in a sustainable manner.
How many panels will you have and how tall with they be?
The panels would be up to 3.5m in height and the total number of panels will be informed by ongoing surveys and assessments and feedback from the community and stakeholders and will be detailed in the planning application.
How visible will the site be for the community?
We will be undertaking a Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVA) to ensure any potential effects of the project on landscape features, landscape character and visual amenity are properly assessed.
The site was partly selected due its location away from more populated areas like Arbroath, and because it does not have any landscape designations. For the neighbouring properties who may see some parts of the proposed development, a comprehensive landscaping plan, which will be informed by the LVA, will be developed for the project to minimise potential visibility.
Will any of the land remain useable for agriculture?
Bonnyknox Solar Farm is being specifically designed to be dual purpose, combining continued agricultural use through sheep grazing and renewable generation.
Do solar farms pose a risk to Scotland's food security by taking up land?
The Independent National Food Strategy Review, which looks at the entire food chain from field to fork, concluded that solar farms do not in any way pose a risk to the UK’s food security.
One of the biggest risks to food security is the changing climate and according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), climate change could reduce the UK’s stock of high-grade agricultural land by nearly three-quarters by 2050. Solar farms like Bonnyknox help towards tackling climate change and furthermore, is specifically designed to be dual purpose, enabling continued agricultural use, in the form of sheep grazing, and renewable generation.
Agricultural land covers between 56% and 70% of UK land. Solar farms in the UK currently have a combined capacity of around 14GW which makes up just under 0.1% of land in the UK. By comparison, the total land used by the UK’s golf courses is 0.5% and airports is 0.2%. The UK Energy Security Strategy commits to increase the UK’s current 14GW of solar capacity by up to 5 times by 2035.
Initial studies show the site to be on land classified as Grade 3. Many areas within the vicinity of Bonnyknox are classified as Grade 1 or 2 land and as such our project utilises the lower grade land in the area.
Do solar farms create any health implications for nearby residents?
Wherever electricity flows, both electric and magnetic fields exist close to the lines that carry electricity, and close to electrical appliances. The relatively low voltages in a solar farm and the fact that electric fields are easily shielded by common materials, such as plastic, metal, or soil means that there is an extremely low risk of negative health impacts from electric fields. The DC electricity produced by Solar PV panels produces 0 Hz electric and magnetic fields, AC electricity produces c. 60 Hz which is at the low-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum.
How far away will the solar panels be from residential properties?
The Bonnyknox Solar Farm will be sensitively designed to reduce any potential impact on local residents. The distance from residential properties will be informed by the various technical and environmental surveys and assessments which are currently being undertaken.
Will the Solar Farm affect the value of my property?
Queries are often raised in relation to the potential of solar farms to impact upon the value of house prices as there can be a perception that there must be a negative effect on house prices. Property value is subjective and can be affected by a range of factors. There is no firm evidence on whether solar farms do or do not affect house prices.
We are aware of residents close to other renewable energy projects, who enjoy having renewable energy projects close by and believe that they add value to their community.
Will the Solar Farm have any impact on the local water supply?
We will conduct thorough surveys to assess any potential impacts of the project on the water supply of nearby residents. This will allow us to implement necessary mitigation measures and ensure there are no adverse effects on the local community's water resources.
Will the Solar Farm affect the gas main running through the site?
The gas main is being considered in all aspects of the design process, and we are engaging with the gas operator, National Grid.
Will road users be affected by glare from the solar panels?
Solar panels are not highly reflective surfaces as they are designed to absorb sunlight and not to reflect it. A Glint & Glare assessment will accompany any planning application and will consider potential impacts on roads, rail, residential dwellings as well as aviation.
What is the carbon payback associated with the project?
As with all manufactured products, some carbon is emitted in the manufacture of solar panels, however research has shown that the average carbon payback period for solar panels is 1-4 years. This means that over their lifetime, typically 40 years, each panel will generate zero-carbon and zero-pollution electricity for decades after any carbon emitted in its production has been paid back.
At Bonnyknox we are exploring further environmental enhancements, such as tree or hedgerow planting, which would actively remove carbon from the atmosphere. This will also contribute to the offset of any carbon emissions created when manufacturing the panels and will be explored further as we continue to undertake technical assessments.
Bonnyknox Solar Farm is estimated to save around 30,0002 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to the equivalent fossil fuel generation, every year.
Will turning farmland into a solar farm impact the site’s biodiversity?
The site of the proposed Bonnyknox Solar Farm lies outside of any ecological designations and an Ecological Appraisal is being undertaken to ensure any potential impact on the local ecology is properly assessed.
The design of the solar farm will include measures to prevent potential impacts such as a 5m buffer from all hedgerow and drainage ditches and a 5m buffer from all woodland.
Perimeter fencing for the solar farm would be in the form of deer fencing, with mammal gates to allow the free movement of small mammals.
Solar farms have significant potential to enhance biodiversity, hosting a range of habitats including wildflower meadows, hedgerows, nectar-rich areas for pollinators, and woodland. A typical solar farm uses around just 5% of the total site area with the rest of the land remaining undisturbed, creating significant opportunities to provide a range of ecological benefits.
Solar panels are typically pile-driven into the ground and have a ground clearance of around 0.8 metres. This leaves all ground underneath the panels available for species rich grass and meadow planting and also are the optimum height for sheep-grazing and the use of the more efficient bifacial panels which we propose for Bonnyknox. Only the inverters and substation require hardstandings.
How will the Solar Farm connect to the electricity network?
Our proposals include a 33kV connection to the Arbroath substation, which would be used to transport the green energy generated by the solar farm to the electricity grid.Will there be perimeter fencing and security?
It is likely that there will be perimeter fencing in place around the edge of the solar farm if consented. Perimeter fencing will be in the form of deer fencing up to 2.4m high, usually located inside boundary vegetation, with mammal gaps to ensure the free movement of small mammals.
CCTV is a requirement for security purposes; however, cameras would be inward facing and there is no lighting proposed except security lighting at the substation compound. There will be a need for some emergency signage, but we would seek to position such signs sensitively.
Will there be a lot of noise?
Solar panels themselves do not generate noise. The main noise source associated with a solar farm will be within the inverter stations. Small fans would operate within the inverters, during daylight hours only, and should not pose any noise disturbance.
A noise survey will be undertaken to assess any potential for noise from the solar farm and to inform the project design, in consultation with the Council’s Environmental Health Officer. The solar farm will be designed to operate within strict noise limits.
Shouldn't solar be on rooftops?
Rooftop solar has an important part to play in meeting net zero targets. In June 2021, Solar Energy UK, published an analysis estimating that, residential and commercial development is expected to account for nearly 37% (15GW) of the projected 2030 solar PV deployment of 40GW, with the remaining 63% (25GW) coming from large scale ground mounted solar farms.
Moreover, solar farms support British farmers, as the energy provides income diversification that helps keep local farmers in business, allowing them to continue to invest locally, employ locally and farm in a sustainable manner.
If the solar farm is consented, when would it be built?
If we are granted planning permission for the solar development, there is a period of around a year where planning conditions are discharged, detailed design undertaken, etc. Construction of the project would take around 12 months, dependent on the grid connection.
How will you access the site during construction?
Construction traffic would access the site off the A92 at the Salmond’s Muir junction leading onto Bonnyton Road to the site. The typical build time for a solar project of this scale is approximately 12 months.
There is typically a short period during the construction phase when there will be peak traffic movements, with vehicle movements otherwise limited to getting personnel to and from site. 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
The Highways department, emergency services, local community and other relevant bodies will be consulted to produce a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) to support any 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.
Will the project include battery energy storage?
Following recent technological and commercial advancements, we propose to include hybrid battery storage units as part of the proposed development to help increase the flexibility and generation opportunities for Bonnyknox Solar Farm.Energy storage is essential for managing the growing supply and demand challenges of the 21st century, as the grid needs to maintain a constant balance between electricity demand and generation. If this balance is off, it can lead to blackouts.
The battery units will store excess energy produced by the solar farm and release it back to the grid when generation is low, such as during the night or winter.
What if I wasn't able to attend the public exhibition in June?
All of the information presented at the public exhibition is still available to view here. Hard copies are also available on request.
How will the project benefit local people?
RES is committed to ensuring that, wherever possible, local contractors and employees are used in all aspects of solar farm development. The major opportunities arise during the construction phase when suitably qualified local firms are often invited to bid for different aspects of construction. We encourage our contractors to source construction materials locally (i.e. within the county) and to use local transport and plant hire companies where possible, in addition to local services and amenities.
RES also believes that our renewable energy schemes should also provide meaningful benefits locally and we are inviting input from the local communities on their priority aims and projects in their area which the project may be able to support.
- In keeping with our commitment to deliver meaningful benefits to the local area, RES were pleased to support the Pyworthy Village Hall with the installation of solar panels. In response to the cost-of-living crisis, the Pyworthy Village Hall management committee are attempting to create a warm hub in the village hall to provide a warm, safe community space for people living in a hard to heat home, if they are isolated or if they are worried about their energy bills. Due to the hall’s age and style of heating, it was not financially viable to provide the warm hub.
RES provided a donation of £15,000 and a further commitment to match-fund any money raised locally up to £7,500.00. The community duly delivered raising over £7,500 through a range of different events including coffee mornings, bingo and film evenings. These events not just raised necessary funds for the warm hub initiative but also promoted community cohesion.
The solar panels were installed early in 2024, along with an associated battery system to store any excess generation. - RES has partnered with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to support a minimum of 60 students through their Student Development Fund. Created with the aim of helping UHI’s students to further their personal development, the fund empowers them to gain new skills, raising their aspirations, whilst also helping to build their confidence. It does this by providing financial support to students to overcome barriers to participate in learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities. RES has pledged a total of £60,000 to UHI’s Student Development Fund over the course of the next three years, providing the students of UHI with the best possible opportunity to maximise their talents and future careers.
As the renewables industry continues to grow, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, the industry will require talented individuals with transferrable skills, from a variety of diverse backgrounds to enter the workforce. The growing industry will also support the wider regional economy and the jobs associated with it. The Student Development Fund, supported by RES, will therefore be open to all UHI students, studying any course, across all its campuses.
The UHI Student Development Fund has been enabling UHI’s unique student body to build new skills and expand their horizons since 2009. To date, it has helped over 650 students. The fund allows students to apply for awards (up to a value of £1,000) for support with specific aspects of their studies, which they would otherwise be unable to participate in or would struggle to access. It helps talented students overcome financial barriers to participate in learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities that support their development, increase their confidence, and raise their aspirations. - RES funded a local apprentice at Edward Mackay Contractor for up to four years. The apprenticeship is providing a young person from the local area with the opportunity to build valuable knowledge and skills on the job whilst also working towards an HNC qualification in civil engineering.
What happens when the solar farm reaches the end of its operational lifetime (40 years)?
The solar farm does not contain any permanent infrastructure and is entirely reversible at the end of its operational lifetime and the land can returned to its previous use.
Where a solar farm is installed on land which has been intensively farmed, it enables the ground underneath to recover, while providing income for the farming business. Solar farms also help regenerate soil quality, and so are helping to ensure the continued availability of high-quality agricultural acreage for future generations.
In most cases, 99% of a solar panel is recyclable, and there are well established industrial processes to do this.
A solar panel is made of a frame (typically aluminium), glass, crystalline silicon solar cells, and copper wiring, all of which can be extracted, separated, and recycled or reused. The remaining one percent is an encapsulant material which bonds the layers of a panel together.
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.
What happens next?
The feedback from the second round of consultation is being reviewed and considered as the application is prepared for submission to Angus Council. In support of the submitted application, a Pre-Application Consultation Report will be prepared which will outline all of the consultation and engagement activity undertaken by RES, the feedback received from the community and stakeholders, and how RES has responded to and considered the feedback in its submitted application. An indicative timeline is shown below.
1 This is calculated by taking the predicted annual electricity generation of the site (using an average capacity factor of 11.2%) and dividing this by the annual average electricity figures from DESNZ (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, formerly BEIS) showing that the annual GB average domestic household consumption is 3,239 kWh (January 24).
2 RES uses DESNZ’s “all non-renewable fuels” emissions statistic of 424 tonnes of carbon dioxide per GWh of electricity supplied in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (July 2023) Table 5.14 (“Estimated carbon dioxide emissions from electricity supplied”) to calculate carbon reduction. Carbon reduction is calculated by multiplying the total amount of electricity generated by the solar farm per year by the number of tonnes of carbon which fossil fuels would have produced to generate the same amount of electricity.