FAQS
SOLAR
How long did it take to build the solar farm?
What technology does Neoen use to build its solar farms?
What is the life cycle of the solar farm?
How does solar generation work?
How big are solar panels?
The solar panels at Griffith are 1m x 2m in size and are arranged in rows that typically changes from the length of rows. 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?
ECONOMY
Do solar farms benefit the Australian/local economy?
Each of Neoen’s projects benefit the local community by creating employment. Over 100 people were employed during the construction of the Griffith solar farm 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?
Solar farms add to the supply side of the electricity supply-demand equation, which puts downward pressure on all electricity bills.
Does Neoen require government subsidies to build its projects?
Health And Culture
Are there any health risks associated with solar farms?
Environment
Do solar farms impact on flora and fauna?
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?
Griffith solar farm is home to sheep who graze the vegetation around the solar panels throughout the year. To learn more, please view our Agrisolar page.