FAQS
SOLAR
What technology does Neoen use to build its solar farms?
Neoen uses similar technology to that used in residential solar photovoltaic installations with the main difference being that solar farm panels are usually mounted on systems that track the sun through the sky.
Dubbo Solar Hub uses premium quality solar panels and other technologies provided by leading manufacturers.
What is the life cycle of the solar farm?
Depending on the local environment, the panels can generate electricity for 30 years or more with only about 0.5% efficiency loss each year.
How does solar generation work?
A inverter transforms the electricity generated from the solar panels from direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity.
This AC electricity is transmitted to a substation through medium voltage underground cables where it is distributed to the grid.
The amount of energy generated is determined by the intensity and angle of the light hitting the solar panels.
This is why the solar farm uses tracking systems to optimise the angle of the panel to the sun throughout the day.
How big are solar panels?
These rows of solar panels are spaced 5 to 7m apart. The height of a fully tilted solar panel is 3 to 4 metres above the ground.
Do the solar panels generate glare?
Solar farms are not considered reflective and have been installed at or near number of airports around the world.
ECONOMY
Do solar farms benefit the Australian/local economy?
Over 100 people were employed during the construction of the Dubbo Solar Hub with a full-time site technician employed locally during operations supported by a range of local and regional sub-contractors and suppliers.
How much do renewables cost compared with other energy sources?
- Existing coal generation: approximately $40 per megawatt hour
- Combined gas-cycle generation: approximately $75 per megawatt hour
- New coal generation: approximately $130 per megawatt hour
Do solar farms result in a decrease in electricity prices?
Does Neoen require government subsidies to build its projects?
The cost of developing new Solar Farms have now reached a state that Neoen does not require government subsidies to finance its projects.
We finance our projects through a combination of our own equity and long-term bank loans. However, we sometimes enter into agreements with governments or businesses to sell the power produced by our projects.
Health And Culture
Are there any health risks associated with solar farms?
No health issues have been associated with solar panels. Solar panels are installed on more than 25% of Australian homes and have been on homes throughout the world for the past 15 years. Dubbo Solar Hub uses the same type of solar panel technology.
Environment
Do solar farms impact on flora and fauna?
Neoen engages specialist consultants to undertake detailed flora and fauna surveys to determine the ecological attributes of the land before the solar farm is built.
On all of our projects, we aim to minimise the impact on flora and fauna by designing projects to be constructed outside areas of high conservation significance and adopting control measures during the construction process.
Other mitigation measures include preparing management plans, identifying ‘no-go zones’ within the project site and conducting pre-clearance surveys. Neoen also consults with government departments of environment and biodiversity throughout the development, construction and operational stages of projects, as well as local non-government organisations.
Do solar farms affect farm/domestic animals?
Dubbo Solar Hub is home to sheep who graze the vegetation around the solar panels throughout the year.