Maxwell Solar Farm

Inevitably, the installation of solar panels will have some effect on the aesthetics of the landscape. X-ELIO is committed to working closely with the local community to address these concerns.

We encourage members of the community to approach us with any concerns relating to this issue.

We will work closely with the Proposal neighbours to understand their views towards the Proposal area and how screening may be applied on the Proposal site or on their land to reduce visual impacts.

The primary function of PV panels is to absorb sunlight rather than reflect it. The technical process in manufacturing PV panels includes an anti-reflection, hydrophobic layers that minimises potential for sunlight reflection.

CASA have approved projects close to the airport reporting that more glare is expected from the local waterways and the sun itself.

Glaring is not an issue for Solar Farms, as evident by the fact that solar panels have been deployed in Residential, Industrial and Sensitive Facilities, such as many airports around the world, including Ballarat, Adelaide, Brisbane, Changi (Singapore), Denver and Dusseldorf (and many more).

The construction period is estimated to commence in Q4 2023 and run for approximately 15 months.

Benefits for owners and operators of solar farms 

∙ Collaboration with local livestock farms, so we are committed to the environment where the plant is located. 

∙ Pasture prevents soil erosion as it adheres to the root of the plant. Prevents landslides and runoff that affect the structure of the panels. 

∙ A constant control of plant growth is largely achieved, so we avoid a large amount of fuel once the grass has dried. This prevents fires in the hot season. 

∙ Reduces operation and maintenance costs through the avoidance of regular mowing services, a reduction in herbicide application and reduced risk of potential damage caused by mechanical equipment. 

∙ Sheep control the growth of vegetation around the panels constantly, which prevents the appearance of shadows on the solar modules. 

∙ Reduces health and safety risks for solar farm personnel due to reduced need for operation of mowers and machinery 

∙ Provides additional monitoring when farmer onsite and reduce the risk of robberies ∙ Increases the biodiversity of the area. 

Benefits for landholders/farmers 

∙ Increased health and wellbeing of sheep due to protection from elements 

∙ Less water consumption by sheep 

∙ Safety from predators for livestock due to secure fencing 

∙ Access to greener pasture, particularly during dry conditions or drought, leading to reduce operating costs. 

∙ High wool quality 

∙ Supporting the transition to clean energy and healthier environment

There are many factors that influence the value of a property and there is no evidence base available to reference on this subject. We do not expect this development to devalue land in the area.

X-ELIO aims to deliver a Proposal that provides shared benefits to the community, while working with the site neighbours to reduce visual impacts and invest in meaningful opportunities to support the resilience of the Maxwell community.

Solar Farms have very minimal fire risks.

X-ELIO adheres strictly to a Code of Conduct substantially in line with the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practices Charter, as well as other regulations, including fire safety.

We will work closely with the RFS to confirm access requirements for the Solar Farm if there is a bushfire that moves into the area, or if a fire starts in the Solar Farm.

A management Plan will be produced prior to construction commencing that will include a Fire Management Plan to address the management of potential fires in construction, operations and decommissioning.

The facility operations will be monitored using real time data, an on-site manager and security cameras to pick up fires which will trigger notification of the local CFA as part of the Fire Management Plan.

The Proposal will not increase the risk of bushfires in the area.

Traffic and road impacts will be managed by X-Elio and the EPC contractor.

NSW has roadmap to increase NSW’s renewable energy penetration to over 60% by 2030. This statewide initiative will create 6300 construction and 2800 ongoing jobs in regional Australia and will reduce electricity price in the state by $130 per year for households, $430 for small business and reduce NSW’s carbon emissions by approx. 90million tons. Currently the renewable energy penetration in NSW is 16%.

This Proposal in NSW will contribute to fill this target, create new jobs, and will contribute to electricity price reducing and carbon emissions reducing.

Given the Proposal is expected to cost more than $30 million, it will be considered for approval by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as a State Significant Development.