No. The solar farm will be connected to a high voltage transmission network, as opposed to the low voltage distribution networks to which rooftop solar systems connect.
Group: The Electricity Network
Will Benger Solar Farm prioritise local electricity needs?
Yes. In order to be energy efficient, electricity from Benger Solar Farm will meet local demands in the network before flowing further afield.
How will the farm’s solar energy be supplied?
Electricity from Benger Solar Farm will generally be supplied to high voltage transmission networks. These larger networks function like freeways in road networks, allowing large amounts of power to flow a long way with minimum loss.
Some electricity will exit along the way and step down to a lower voltage network before feeding into distribution networks that transfer electricity to individual energy users such as households, businesses and industry. These smaller distribution networks are like local streets in road networks.
How much energy will the farm generate, and will it affect supply security and electricity prices?
Benger Solar Farm will have an estimated network capacity of 100 megawatts and is expected to generate enough clean power for the equivalent of approximately 35,000 households.
If power generated from the farm can meet local demands, then there may be no need to import power from elsewhere. Regardless, Benger Solar Farm will help reduce the pressure on powerlines and improve security of supply.
As the electricity market is mainly driven by supply and demand, the increased supply in the market will stabilise electricity prices.