As Queensland continues its renewable energy evolution, finding the right locations for the state’s solar farms is more important than ever.

Queensland is one of Australia’s sunniest states, making it an ideal location for solar power. With around 263 days of sunshine each year, and an average of 12 hours of sunshine each day, Queensland offers the perfect conditions for generating solar energy.

By 2035, Queensland is expected to have added approximately 10,000 megawatts (MW) of new large-scale solar capacity. That works out to around 40,200 hectares of solar farms. While that’s a small portion of Queensland’s total area – just 0.02 per cent of Queensland’s 185.3 million hectares – it’s crucial that these locations are carefully selected to maximise their efficiency and minimise their environmental impact.

But what goes into choosing the perfect site for a solar farm? Well, it’s a mix of science, strategy and sustainability.

Key factors for choosing a solar farm site

Selecting a solar farm site is a complex process that begins with extensive research and analysis. Developers use desktop studies to assess potential locations based on a range of factors, from technical requirements to community engagement.

Several key elements come into play when determining the ideal location for solar farm development, including:

Maximising sunlight

It might sound obvious, but the more sunlight, the better. Solar farms need consistent sunlight to operate efficiently, and Queensland’s clear skies make it a prime spot. However, developers also consider local conditions like cloud coverage, temperature, and rainfall, all of which can impact solar farm performance.

Finding the right terrain

Solar farms require large areas of flat or gently sloping land, free from obstructions like trees or mountains that could cast shadows. The land must also have a low risk of flooding and avoid prime agricultural areas where possible. In Queensland, much of this land is located in rural or outback regions, where land is not only more affordable but also less likely to be used for other purposes.

Proximity to the Grid…

The closer a solar farm is to existing transmission infrastructure, the better. Building new transmission lines can be prohibitively expensive, so modern solar farms aim to be within two kilometers of a grid connection point with ample capacity to handle the solar farm’s output.

…and it’s transmission capacity

It’s not enough to be close to the grid – developers must also ensure that the existing transmission infrastructure can handle the solar farm’s output. In some cases, transmission lines may not have sufficient capacity, leading to significant curtailment of the solar farm’s generation.

In Queensland, a coordinated approach is being taken to combat this problem. Many of Queensland’s new solar farms will be located within Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), close to high-voltage transmission infrastructure and energy storage technologies.

Balancing development and nature

Environmental impacts are a major consideration when selecting a site for a solar farm. Developers must assess the cultural and ecological significance of the proposed location, ensuring it doesn’t harm endangered species, wildlife habitats, or water resources. Solar farms that are too close to environmentally sensitive areas, such as national parks or World Heritage Sites, may face significant opposition.

Regulatory compliance is also essential. Developers must navigate a complex web of local, state, and federal regulations, including zoning laws, planning approvals, and environmental permits. With REZs having already been designated by the Queensland Government as prime areas for renewable energy development, building solar farms within these zones becomes somewhat more streamlined and efficient.

Building support

Beyond the technical and environmental aspects, social factors play a significant role when it comes to solar farm site selection. Developers must engage with local communities, landowners and councils early in the process to ensure the project is well-received. Solar farms located near residential areas can cause friction with neighbors due to concerns about visual impact, noise and land use.

To build community support, developers typically conduct face-to-face meetings with key stakeholders, providing transparent information about the potential benefits and impacts of the project. This engagement helps to identify potential challenges and find mutually beneficial solutions, such as job creation and local economic development.

A dual purpose

In some cases, solar farms can even coexist with agricultural operations, a concept known as agrivoltaics. By installing solar panels above crops, farmers can benefit from the shade provided by the panels, which can reduce water loss through evaporation and potentially improve crop yields. This dual-use approach is gaining traction, as it allows landowners to maximise their land’s productivity while supporting Queensland’s renewable energy goals.

Ultimately, with careful site selection, active community engagement, and a focus on minimising environmental impact, solar farms are expected to be a key driver of Queensland’s clean energy future – helping to reduce emissions, create jobs, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy grid for generations to come.