45 acres of solar panels - maintenance?

[HQ2]

Looked at putting an area (currently grassed) down to solar panels. Initially looked at a while ago, but never quite happened. When the rates changed for payments, thought it was the end of it but out of the blue, the company called to see where we were at. The application apparently went in before payment changes were announced so we get the older tariff (although council won't allow both sides of a road to be solar - so would be down to approx 45 acres). It's a zero cost installation (appreciate this hits revenues, but at £1mil+ capital it's preferred).

Just thinking about maintenance for the site as this is not included (general site maintenance rather than performance and repairs) and wondered if any of you guys have land with solar panels and what is the maintenance demand (grass cutting, cleaning etc)? I understand the company put maintenance out to tender but we get 'first dibs' though I've no idea if this is infrequent crews on site or one guy tickling about towards full time.

[Elderly]

HQ2 said:

Looked at putting an area (currently grassed) down to solar panels. ......what is the maintenance demand (grass cutting, cleaning etc)?

Company near us who are planning a solar 'farm' (how very beucolic sounding!) are going to graze sheep to do the grass cutting.

[tescorank]

There's one at St Nicholas-at-Wade near Manston airport Kent which has sheep to keep
It trim.

[richyb]

As has been mentioned sheep or goats - goats particularly cheap to buy. You could mow 45 acres with a compact tractor if not. You can get special orchard/nursery mowers with retractable mower arms that move when you touch a post/solar panel leg. Allows you to jus merrily drive up and down the lines and not worry about strimming rounds objects.

[HQ2]

Cheers guys. We plan to have sheep, but was thinking more about weeds plus keeping the units clean. Goats would be great as they eat anything, but concerned about their climbing tendencies.

[covmutley]

I submit quite a few planning applications for solar parks. Most seem to graze sheep, and perhaps strim it if things do get out of hand.

I think the panels are generally washed twice a year, but I could be wrong on that.

Edited by covmutley on Saturday 7th June 22:01

[rufmeister]

We can clean them for you

[willetttiger]

My company goes all round the UK cleaning solar panels depends on location as to how many times they need cleaning but most done twice a year