FAQs Solar — Central Queensland Power

FAQs about Solar Energy

The solar farm is expected to operate for approximately 30 years, at which point the Project may either repower, with agreement from associated landholders and following requisite assessments, or be decommissioned.
When it comes time to decommission, the Project Area would be returned to its pre-works state as far as possible. The Project will not have any long-term effect on agricultural productivity or land use options.
CQP will prepare a Decommissioning Plan for the Project that specifies how decommissioning will be undertaken after the operational life of the Project is complete.
This Decommissioning Plan will seek to return the land to its pre-work state and will seek to maximise opportunities to recycle and re-purpose infrastructure and materials associated with the Project to the greatest extent possible.

The solar infrastructure associated with solar projects are largely constructed of glass, silicon, steel and aluminium and will have very low flammability.
Equipment at solar sites are fitted with lightning protection and surrounded by a fenced, gravelled compound.
Prior to construction, a Bushfire Management Plan and Fire Management Plan is prepared to inform the Project’s design and manage fire risks during the construction and operational period.
This documentation will be prepared in consultation with relevant authorities including Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and rural fire services.
All relevant legislative requirements and management measures will be implemented to minimise any fire risk associated with solar projects.

Agricultural land uses including sheep grazing often continue at solar project sites, and CQP is work closely with landowners to understand what opportunities could coexist with solar projects.
Solar farms will not affect farming operations on neighbouring properties do not have any long-term effect on the agricultural potential or land use of the site, beyond the life of the solar farm