The Proposal

How does the solar farm work?

Solar panels are a grid of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert the sun’s energy into electricity.

In a solar panel, these PV cells are sandwiched between layers of a semi-conducting material – often silicone. When the sun’s photons hit the cells, their energy is transferred, creating an electric field – a phenomenon called the photoelectric effect.

The photoelectric effect produces Direct Current (DC) electricity, which is then passed through an inverter to convert it to the electricity that powers our homes – Alternating Current (AC).

What does the project consist of?

North Newton Solar is expected to generate up to 30MW of electricity on-site to maximise land use efficiency on the 57 hectare site.

The facility will consist of:

An array of photovoltaic panels, immediately south of North Newton, Somerset.
The panels would be fixed to lightweight mounting frames at a 12.5 degree angle, tilted southwards to maximise sun exposure.
The panels will have a minimum ground clearance of 0.6m and a maximum height of 3m above ground.
Inverters and transformers to convert the generated electricity from DC to AC for export to the grid.
An on-site substation at the west of the site, including a control building and associated infrastructure.
Internal access tracks to enable operation and maintenance.

Updated concept design following consultation feedback.

Concept design presented at the public consultation event

Screening and visual effects

Planting native species benefits the environment and provides screening to mitigate visual effects. The new design has fewer panels, providing more space for us to plant trees, hedgerows and native species.

Some options we are considering include:

Planting over 1,300m new native hedgerows
Seeding 53 hectares of grassland – the area between, beneath and around the solar panels – with a seed mix of native grasses, herbs and sedges
Planting around a hectare of mixed native scrub
Creating over 2 hectares of traditional orchard