FAQS
SOLAR
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?
Do the solar panels generate glare?
ECONOMY
Do solar farms benefit the Australian/local economy?
Over 300 people were employed during the construction of the Coleambally 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?
Does Neoen require government subsidies to build 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.
Coleambally Solar Farm 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?
Colleambally Solar Farm is home to sheep who graze the vegetation around the solar panels throughout the year.
How is any potential fire risk managed?
There is a cleared vegetation zone around the edges of the solar farms to prevent fire propagation. This is complemented by a strict vegetation management plan to manage fuel loads on site.