Solar energy

Advice on the key environmental impacts from and documents/information required for the construction and operation of solar energy installations

Key environmental considerations

The key environmental impacts due to the construction and operation of solar energy installations and associated grid connections include:

Development footprint

habitat damage (including bogs, heathlands and low nutrient grasslands)
species disturbance and/or displacement
modification to waterways including alterations to existing crossing structures such as culverts within the site

Pollution of water environment

run-off contaminated by chemicals used for routine maintenance effecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems and fisheries

Landscape and visual

perceived change to the landscape character and visual amenity of the area
degradation of the scenic value/landscape setting of designated areas

DAERA normally only provides advice on the impacts of developments located within the boundary of the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site or its distinctive Landscape Setting or for major/regionally significant Wind Farm developments located within the boundary of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Documents/information required

The following lists the documents/information that may be required to ensure that DAERA can provide a substantive response:

Development details

site access arrangements
position of all infrastructure
drainage Plan

Surveys/assessments

Ecological e.g

habitat
priority/protected species

The need for surveys should be informed by a preliminary ecological assessment and biological records check. The NI Biodiversity Checklist can be used for the initial assessment process.