How does Solar PV & Battery Storage work?
Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) technology to harness sunlight and generate direct current (DC), which is then converted into alternating current (AC) through advanced inverters. This conversion allows the energy to be seamlessly integrated into the electricity grid. Solar PV projects can be developed and installed at a rapid pace, with an average construction period of just 6-12 months, making them a swift solution for meeting energy demands.
The purpose of a battery storage system is to store electricity that has been generated from various means, so that it can be stored and then exported back to the grid at times of high demand/low generation. As the electricity that is generated from renewable sources is subject to peaks and troughs, depending on climatic conditions, the system is able to store electricity when generation is high and then supply energy when less electricity is being generated or when there are additional or higher demands on the grid.
The UK Government is committed to a rapid transition towards a zero-carbon economy; a significant expansion in low carbon electricity generation is a key part of the Governments’ energy strategy, which is where the solar PV aspect of this project aids in achieving this goal. Consequences of this expansion include changes to the daily electricity demand and supply pattern, an increasingly volatile generation mix and greater issues with geographical concentration of generation. Transmission network constraints occur when network infrastructure limits the ability of the network to transmit all the available power to where it is needed.
There is a growing need for technologies that can produce low carbon, renewable electricity in the United Kingdom as we work together in achieving a decarbonised electricity system. There is also equal need for technologies to respond quickly to balance generation and load in the system. This is to ensure grid stability and security of supply, ultimately avoiding the need for extreme demand-reduction measures, which can include blackouts.
Battery storage offers an efficient and responsive solution to actively manage grid demands by storing surplus electricity for distributing back to the grid in times of peak demand. This system caters for the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources, helping to balance transmission requirements and Lithium-ion battery storage is currently the most suitable technology.
Benefits of Co-located Solar PV Battery Storage
The battery storage facility can import or export large amounts of electricity with no time lag and has the following benefits:
The Solar PV and BESS compound will comprise:
Grid connection
The proposed battery storage system will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer.
Access track
A permeable access track up to five metres in width will be installed to provide access to the compound.
Fencing
2.45 metre high wire mesh security fencing will surround the compound, and CCTV cameras will be mounted within the perimeter.
CCTV
A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.
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Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. Solar PV and battery storage system developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 40-year lifetime of the development. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site. These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
CLOSE
The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In 2019, the Government legislated to commit the country to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels. To meet the national need caused by these trends we need to adapt our infrastructure to offer clean, low carbon sources of energy generation that are fit for the future.
In order to meet the emission targets, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the most recent climate change conference, COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power available and reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. The COP26 targets outline the need to invest in renewable energy now in order to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions can be achieved by 2050.
On a national scale, the UK Government is working towards hitting goals set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021), which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035.
The Dumfries and Galloway Council declared a climate emergency on the 27th of June 2019. Following this, they have implemented a step approach to align with the Scottish Governments climate change legislation. The council agreed to net zero targets for organisational and regional emissions on 28th of March 2024.
They have established the following organisational targets:
They have also established the following regional emission targets:
Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.
We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community.
A community digital consultation is ongoing via this website where you can make comment on the proposals directly to us via the survey provided or via email. These comments must be submitted no later than 20th June.
Two public consultation events will be held on Wednesday 28th May 2025 and Wednesday 11th June 2025 at The Corner House Hotel, 78 High St, Annan, DG12 6DL. They will be held between 4pm-7pm and , during which team members and project specialists will be available to discuss the project.
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Site Location
Lands owned in and around Chapelcross, Annan DG12 6RF.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 478 acres / 194 hectares.
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.
Site Access
The proposed development will be accessed from existing field accesses on roads off the B722 road.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take up to 12 months (52 weeks), delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 40 HGV movements (20 arrivals and 20 departures) per day. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 4 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 40-year operational period, the battery storage system and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed solar PV and BESS project will take approximately 6 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
The 150MW solar PV and battery storage proposal could store enough electricity to power approximately 100,000 typical local homes for a day (based on 8 kWh for a medium use household).
CLOSE
Noise
The solar PV portion of this project will make no noise. Each battery container and inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size and rating. These will be placed away from sensitive noise receptors and the project will be compliant with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be prepared and submitted with a planning application to ensure that the impacts of construction traffic movements associated with the development are managed in a manner that minimises negative impacts on local highway users, existing highway infrastructure and the wider environment.
BESS
The BESS installation proposes the use of battery technology which is a proven and safe technology. The advantages of this type of battery are that:
Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?
Flood risk assessment not completed.
CLOSE
How does Solar PV & Battery Storage work?
Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) technology to harness sunlight and generate direct current (DC), which is then converted into alternating current (AC) through advanced inverters. This conversion allows the energy to be seamlessly integrated into the electricity grid. Solar PV projects can be developed and installed at a rapid pace, with an average construction period of just 6-12 months, making them a swift solution for meeting energy demands.
The purpose of a battery storage system is to store electricity that has been generated from various means, so that it can be stored and then exported back to the grid at times of high demand/low generation. As the electricity that is generated from renewable sources is subject to peaks and troughs, depending on climatic conditions, the system is able to store electricity when generation is high and then supply energy when less electricity is being generated or when there are additional or higher demands on the grid.
The UK Government is committed to a rapid transition towards a zero-carbon economy; a significant expansion in low carbon electricity generation is a key part of the Governments’ energy strategy, which is where the solar PV aspect of this project aids in achieving this goal. Consequences of this expansion include changes to the daily electricity demand and supply pattern, an increasingly volatile generation mix and greater issues with geographical concentration of generation. Transmission network constraints occur when network infrastructure limits the ability of the network to transmit all the available power to where it is needed.
There is a growing need for technologies that can produce low carbon, renewable electricity in the United Kingdom as we work together in achieving a decarbonised electricity system. There is also equal need for technologies to respond quickly to balance generation and load in the system. This is to ensure grid stability and security of supply, ultimately avoiding the need for extreme demand-reduction measures, which can include blackouts.
Battery storage offers an efficient and responsive solution to actively manage grid demands by storing surplus electricity for distributing back to the grid in times of peak demand. This system caters for the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources, helping to balance transmission requirements and Lithium-ion battery storage is currently the most suitable technology.
Benefits of Co-located Solar PV Battery Storage
The battery storage facility can import or export large amounts of electricity with no time lag and has the following benefits:
The Solar PV and BESS compound will comprise:
Grid connection
The proposed battery storage system will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer.
Access track
A permeable access track up to five metres in width will be installed to provide access to the compound.
Fencing
2.45 metre high wire mesh security fencing will surround the compound, and CCTV cameras will be mounted within the perimeter.
CCTV
A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.
CLOSE
Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. Solar PV and battery storage system developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 40-year lifetime of the development. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site. These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
CLOSE
The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In 2019, the Government legislated to commit the country to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels. To meet the national need caused by these trends we need to adapt our infrastructure to offer clean, low carbon sources of energy generation that are fit for the future.
In order to meet the emission targets, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the most recent climate change conference, COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power available and reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. The COP26 targets outline the need to invest in renewable energy now in order to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions can be achieved by 2050.
On a national scale, the UK Government is working towards hitting goals set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021), which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035.
The Dumfries and Galloway Council declared a climate emergency on the 27th of June 2019. Following this, they have implemented a step approach to align with the Scottish Governments climate change legislation. The council agreed to net zero targets for organisational and regional emissions on 28th of March 2024.
They have established the following organisational targets:
They have also established the following regional emission targets:
Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.
We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community.
A community digital consultation is ongoing via this website where you can make comment on the proposals directly to us via the survey provided or via email. These comments must be submitted no later than 20th June.
Two public consultation events will be held on Wednesday 28th May 2025 and Wednesday 11th June 2025 at The Corner House Hotel, 78 High St, Annan, DG12 6DL. They will be held between 4pm-7pm and , during which team members and project specialists will be available to discuss the project.
CLOSE
Site Location
Lands owned in and around Chapelcross, Annan DG12 6RF.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 478 acres / 194 hectares.
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.
Site Access
The proposed development will be accessed from existing field accesses on roads off the B722 road.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take up to 12 months (52 weeks), delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 40 HGV movements (20 arrivals and 20 departures) per day. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 4 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 40-year operational period, the battery storage system and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed solar PV and BESS project will take approximately 6 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings
The 150MW solar PV and battery storage proposal could store enough electricity to power approximately 100,000 typical local homes for a day (based on 8 kWh for a medium use household).
CLOSE
Noise
The solar PV portion of this project will make no noise. Each battery container and inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size and rating. These will be placed away from sensitive noise receptors and the project will be compliant with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be prepared and submitted with a planning application to ensure that the impacts of construction traffic movements associated with the development are managed in a manner that minimises negative impacts on local highway users, existing highway infrastructure and the wider environment.
BESS
The BESS installation proposes the use of battery technology which is a proven and safe technology. The advantages of this type of battery are that:
Is there an increased risk of flooding around solar farm sites?
Flood risk assessment not completed.
CLOSE