Large-scale solar container project implementation standards

What is the fee category for a large scale solar PV installation?

There is no national guidance on the fee category for large scale ground mounted solar PV installations. However, normally such applications fall within Category 5 (erection, alteration or replacement of plant or machinery) of the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) as amended.

Should large-scale solar energy development be considered a critical state infrastructure?

The minister will consider requests to declare large-scale solar energy development as critical State significant infrastructure if it includes a significant energy storage system (for example, a battery with a power capacity of 750 MW and a usable energy storage capacity of 1,500 MWh or more).

What is a large-scale solar energy guideline?

This guideline and its supporting Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline: Technical Supplement for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment aim to achieve balanced outcomes that support the development of the solar energy industry while avoiding and managing major impacts on the landscape and private views.

Are large scale solar PV arrays listed in the EIA Regulations 1999?

Large scale solar PV arrays are not expressly listed in Schedule 2 to the EIA Regulations 1999; such developments may or may not have a significant effect on the environment, positive or negative, depending on location. As a starting point the proposal should be assessed against the selection criteria in Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations.

What if a large scale solar energy development exceeds glint and glare standards?

If a large scale-solar energy development is likely to exceed the relevant criteria for glare and standards for glint, mitigation strategies must be adopted to reduce the impacts. Applicants should assess glint and glare according to the requirements in Appendix B of this guideline.

What are the assessment requirements for large-scale solar energy development?

This section outlines the assessment requirements for some of the common issues found with large-scale solar energy development. This includes visual amenity impacts, glint and glare, agricultural land use conflict, rehabilitation and decommissioning and waste management.