To:North Hertfordshire District Council

Solar panel application: Rand Brothers Grain Store

Infinite Energy
Unit 6 Kingslea Works
Kingston Rd
Leatherhead
KT22 7LE

www.InfiniteEnergy.co.uk
0845 625 0341
info@infiniteenergy.co.uk

Development and Conservation

North Hertfordshire District Council
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
SG6 3JF
04/09/2013

Dear Sirs
Application to install solar panels at Hatchpen Grain Store, Hatchpen, Reed SG8 8AZ. Design and
Access Statement
We are writing on behalf of our clients Rand Bros, who are seeking planning consent to retain the solar
photovoltaic panels on the roof of their grain storage facility at Hatchpen, Reed SG8 8AZ. This letter is
the design and access statement and forms part of this planning application. It sets out the background
to the proposal, a description of the equipment being proposed, how it works, the benefits to the
environment and the regulatory framework which incentivizes such investment.
The application should be read in conjunction with the following supporting documentation which is
attached or set out below:
copies of each of the following:
A completed application form
This design and access statement
Location plan
Proposed plans and elevations of the installation
Our clients fee
Contents of this report:
Introduction
Site location
Proposal details
Site arrangement and appearance
The Equipment and how it works
The rationale for development
Policy Considerations
Other relevant matters
Legacy matters
Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341

To: North Herts District Council

Proposal: Rand Brothers solar panels

Summary

Introduction

This application is in support of the retention of the installation of a roof mounted solar array at grain
storage facility at Hatchpen, Reed SG8 8AZ. The owners of the company are keen to reduce the
businesss reliance upon imported energy and at the same time they wish to reduce their carbon
footprint. Such investment has become economically viable since the introduction of the governments
feed in tariff scheme, which went live on 1st April 2010.
Rand Brothers has a large farm in Hertfordshire with over 9000 acres in arable production as well as an
extensive grain depot which is used as a storage and drying centre. In addition to this, Rand Brothers
have five huge grain drying sheds which are used by local farmers and grain merchants.
The vast barns can hold up to 120,000 tonnes of grain at any one time and have a huge electricity
demand from the grain dryers and elevators all year round.
In pursuing their low carbon policy, the management at Rand Brothers are now keen to adopt
renewable energy technologies.
2

Site location

Rand Brothers has a large grain storage facility at Hatchpen, Reed SG8 8AZ. A location plan is provided
below and also in the attachments to this application. The property is located at OS coordinates 536533
237502 and its postcode is SG8 8AZ.

Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341

To: North Herts District Council

Proposal: Rand Brothers solar panels

The grain storage facility comprises five large buildings this is shown on the photographs and site plan
below. The entrance is from The Joint.
3

Proposal details

This proposal involves the installation of approximately 2100 solar panels on the roofs covering three
buildings. An aerial view of the proposed installations is illustrated below. Photographs of premises are
also included in this statement.
Each panel will have the capacity to deliver 250 watts of peak electrical power so a total capacity of
525.5kWp will be achieved. The PV modules are about 1 meter wide and 1.65 meters long. They are
fixed to a light weight aluminium frame which sets the top surface of the solar panel about 350 mm
above the finished roof line.
4

Site arrangement and appearance

The primary constituent of the installation is the array of solar photovoltaic (or PV) modules, which
convert incident sunlight to electricity. These are configured in rows to form an array on the store roof.

An aerial view of the storage area, is shown above. This shows the location of the arrays. Reference to
the images which follow, reveals that it will be difficult to see the arrays from the surrounding area. As
the grain store is

Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341

To: North Herts District Council

Proposal: Rand Brothers solar panels

This is what a typical panel looks

like close up. This is polycrystalline
panel. It has a Blue/black colour
and is treated with a non
reflective coating, designed to
improve performance and reduce
glare.
The frame is aluminium.

The images below indicate the street scene, and show the extent to which the panels will be seen from
the surrounding area

This is the view from the main entrance looking

north-east.

The equipment and how it works:

5.1

Solar panels

Solar modules are solid state semiconductor devices with no moving parts. They convert light directly
into DC electricity, silently and with no emissions.
The solar cells themselves are made from silicon, which is the most abundant element on the surface of
the earth (the primary constituent of rock and sand). It is treated to become a semiconductor
essentially a large light-sensitive diode.
The front surface of the solar modules is toughened glass with an anti-reflective coating to maximise the
light captured by the solar cells. From the front, the modules look predominantly blue - black in
appearance, though from close-up a grid of silver contacts is visible.
Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341

To: North Herts District Council

Proposal: Rand Brothers solar panels

Modules are framed with anodised aluminium, and will be mounted as sub-arrays on frames of
anodised aluminium and hot-dipped galvanised steel.
The individual panels are typically just under 1 meter wide and up to 1.65 meters long. They are
mounted on light weight aluminium support rails.This will result in the top surface of the panel
extending no more than 350 mm above the surface of the roof cladding. This not only improves the
performance, it also allows air to flow beneath the panels; the cooling so provided improves the
efficiency of the panels.
5.2

Other equipment

Sunlight hitting the silicone crystals causes electrons to be displaced and to flow, thereby setting up an
electric current. This current is in one direction only (Direct or DC current). In order to be compatible
with the standard 230 volt AC supply this current is converted by passing through one or more
inverters. These are small discrete electronic cabinets which are mounted within the buildings and
reasonably close to the solar panels.
From here the AC supply is connected through a generation meter to the main incoming supply.
5.3

Grid connection

The local District Network Operator is UK Power Networks and they have been contacted to confirm
that the local grid is able to receive this additional local power generation. The installation will be
subject to a G59/2 witness test by the DNO before connection to the grid is authorised.
6

Rationale for development

Solar generation produces clean renewable energy for local consumers and/or electricity users in
general. This contributes to the national policy objectives described below and also to local and national
energy security.
6.1

Contribution to sustainable energy supply

In this location a solar generation installation of 525.5 kWp would generate nearly 470,000 kW hrs per
annum1. This is equivalent to the total annual electrical consumption of 115 typical households2.
6.2

Contribution to the environment

Solar generation reduces the need for traditional sources of power generation. Therefore 470,000 kW
hrs displaces electricity, which if it had been produced at the UKs average grid mix3 would have
produced 234 tonnes of carbon emissions. All businesses and households are encouraged to take steps
to reduce their carbon footprint, and this is an excellent way to realise this objective.
By generating energy close to the point of need, not only does the country reduce its dependency on
fossil fuels, we also avoid the heavy line losses that are experienced when power is transmitted over
long distances.
6.3

Feed-In Tariffs

This project will be supported by the Feed-In Tariffs an incentive for renewable energy generation
pursuant to the Energy Act 2008i.

2
3

This is a conservative estimate using local climate data modelled in PVSYST.

Based on energy regulator OFGEMs figure of 4,100 kWh p.a. for an average household
0.544 tonnes per MWhr according to The Carbon Trust

Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341

To: North Herts District Council

Proposal: Rand Brothers solar panels

Feed-In Tariffs are payments to anyone producing renewable electricity (a generator) for every
kilowatt-hour (kWh) of power that they produce. They have two elements:

The generation tariff for every kWh of electricity generated (whether consumed on site or
exported); and

An export tariff for kWhrs not used, but fed back into the grid.
In addition, generators get a third benefit in that every kWh of electricity that they generate and use
themselves saves having to buy that electricity from their supplier.
The installation represents a significant capital investment on behalf of Rand Brothers. The business
hopes to recover this over the coming years, through the Feed in tariff scheme , and a saving on
imported energy costs.
7

Relevant local and national policies

There are many installations such as this being proposed in the UK. The emerging interest in these
systems is sponsored by the governments Renewable Energy Strategyii to meet the requirements of the
2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Although new to the UK, solar generation installations of this type have been widely adopted in other
countries, starting in the USA in the 1980s and deployed in substantial volumes in Germany in recent
years. The UK government has recently decided to reduce the incentives for the very large schemes, and
has stated its preference to see solar photovoltaic systems limited to 50 kWp. This installation of 49 kwp
is therefore exactly the size of installation that is being encouraged by the Department of Climate
Change.
7.1

Planning Policy

Because solar systems are physically inert and environmentally benign, as described below, they present
few planning concerns. Indeed for many applications they fall within the scope of permitted
developmentiii.
The governments planning policy statement on renewables PPS22iv encourages Local Authorities to
promote suitable renewable energy projects, saying:
Local planning authorities and developers should consider the opportunity for
incorporating renewable energy projects in all new developments. Small scale renewable
energy schemes utilising technologies such as solar panels, Biomass heating, small scale
wind turbines, photovoltaic cells and combined heat and power schemes can be
incorporated both into new developments and some existing buildings. Local planning
authorities should specifically encourage such schemes through positively expressed
policies in local development documents.

These objectives are reflected in the regional and district strategies as further described below.
7.2

National energy Policy

In addition to the planning issues described above, the government is encouraging a positive approach
to renewables as detailed in its draft National Policy Statementv.
This policy is supported by a range of incentive mechanisms. One of these in particular, The Feed in
Tariffs, has stimulated the demand for solar panel installations.

Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341

To: North Herts District Council

7.3

Proposal: Rand Brothers solar panels

The North HertfordShire District Council Climate Change Policy

The District Council developed its first Climate Change Strategy in 2009. The Strategy was reviewed and
updated to a Policy in 2012 and shows what NHDC is working towards to address Climate Change. Other
relevant facts about the planned installation.
This policy is published on the NHDC website:
http://www.north-herts.gov.uk/index/environment_and_planning/climate_change.htm
and includes the ambitious target
One of the Councils Priorities for the District for 2013/14 onwards is Protecting our environment for
our communities, and this includes ensuring that the Council will address climate change by working on
CO2 reduction and energy efficiency and encouraging recycling and waste reduction.
We want to reduce emissions from our services and make sure that new development also minimises its
impact on the environment. Our aim is to make sure the Council and the District as a whole rise to the
stretching government targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by at least 34% by 2020
and 80% by 2050 (measured against 1990 levels).

7.4

Visual appearance

The proposed installation will be mounted on the roof of

the storage building, and will only just be visible from the
road. The panels are constructed with a blue / grey glazed
surface, and the panels are framed with a non corrosive
aluminium frame as illustrated here, and described earlier.

7.5

Light reflection

Solar panels are designed to absorb irradiation and therefore to minimise the amount of light reflected.
PV solar panels use an anti-reflective coating to maximise the light capture of the solar cells. They are
thus responsible for only limited levels of either glint or glare. They are substantially less reflective than
glass-houses for example.
This aspect has also been considered by aviation authorities, and is addressed further in 7.11 below.
7.6

Noise and Vibration

Solar cells are inert solid state devices which convert light into electricity. The systems therefore
produce no noise and no emissions. There are no moving parts.
Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341

To: North Herts District Council

7.7

Proposal: Rand Brothers solar panels

Air Quality

The panels do not give rise to any emissions which will impact on air quality.
7.8

Surface Water Drainage and Flooding

Solar panels mounted on a roof will throw water off to the buildings drainage collection system. Where
panels are to be mounted on the adjacent ground, they will not adversely affect the site drainage, and
can even be used for collecting additional rainwater.
7.9 Safety
The electrical aspects of the system are covered by Engineering Standard G59vi, which sets down
requirements for electrical safety and grid-connection of generating systems.
Renewable energy installations of this nature require equipment and installers to be accredited under
Ofgems Microgeneration Certification Scheme. This is to maintain quality and safety standards.
Access to the roof will be only by trained personnel and via external scaffolding. The appointed
contractor will be required to develop a site plan including a detailed risk assessment and method
statement.
7.10 Traffic and Transport
This installation would require only 1 or 2 deliveries of equipment, which would be by lorry. Vehicle
access is good, and there will be no impact upon the local highways.
7.11 Aviation
As described in 7.5 above, systems are designed to avoid adverse effects from reflected light and thus to
conform to the Air Navigation Order 2009, particularly articles 137, 221 and 222
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is seeking to develop its policy on the installation of solar photovoltaic
systems and their impact on aviationvii.
8

Legacy issues

Solar photovoltaic systems are likely to remain generating for 30 40 years, in fact a number of
installations from the 70 s are still generating. The feed in tariff incentive payments will continue for 25
years from the date of registration.
Solar facilities developed on buildings or on agricultural ground are reversible, allowing the site to be
restored to its previous condition. All the equipment can be recycled at the end of its useful life.
9

Conclusion

The details set out above seek to demonstrate how solar panels in this context:
9.1

Contribute to our nations efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions

Reduce transmission losses by generating power close to the point of need

Are discreet and visually unobtrusive
Have no adverse effect on the local environment
Have a beneficial effect on the wider environment
Are in line with national and local planning policies

Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341

To: North Herts District Council

Proposal: Rand Brothers solar panels

We hope that these details have provided sufficient detail to enable members to reach a positive
conclusion. We would be pleased to respond to any questions, or provide further information if that is
necessary

Yours sincerely

Rob Such
Infinite Energy
i
ii
iii
iv

v
vi
vii

See www.FITariffs.co.uk
See www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/res/res.aspx
See www. communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/microgenelectriccars.pdf
See www.
communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planning/planningpolicyguidance/planningpolicystatements/planningpol
icystatements/pps22/
See http://data.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/documents/npss/EN-3.pdf
See www. energynetworks.org/engineering/pdfs/DG/FES_00318_v040211.pdf
See http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/375/srg_asd_solarphotovoltaicsystguidance.pdf

Infinite Energy

Unit 6 Kingsley Works, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7LE

0845 625 0341