Our position

(see full document attached below)

This AFAC guideline applies to utility-scale solar farms (SF), or PV arrays, connected to a utility through high voltage switchgear or a substation. Although there is no universally agreed minimum produced power threshold across Australia and New Zealand, these systems are distinct from roof top or even commercial ground-mounted PV systems.

Building integrated PV (BIPV), in which the PV installation acts as part of a building’s construction, and building applied PV (BAPV), in which the installation is attached to a building are outside the scope of this guideline.

Utility-scale SFs include a connection to the utility through high voltage switchgear or substation, access restricted to qualified personnel, and a restriction on the use of produced power within the plant. Utility-scale SFs may also be installed in association with large-scale energy storage systems, including generation and storage of renewable energy vector transport mediums (REVTMs) such as hydrogen. AFAC has produced a guideline for large scale BESS.

These are increasingly being installed in rural areas, small towns and in proximity to the urban environment.