Solar Farm Construction & Environmental Considerations
As Australia works towards a clean energy future, large-scale solar farms are becoming one of the most important tools in the renewable energy toolbox. These facilities not only support our national decarbonisation targets, as well as help to strengthen regional economies and reduce electricity costs. But behind every successful solar farm is a carefully planned and well-managed construction process.
This article explains how solar farms are built, the environmental impact they can have, and how AES (Applied Environment & Safety) supports projects across Australia to ensure success.
AES works with developers, contractors, and regulators to make sure solar farms are planned and constructed responsibly. We focus on reducing risks, staying compliant with all laws, and protecting the environment. We are proud to support Australia’s transition to renewable energy with safe, practical, and sustainable construction practices.
What Is Solar Farm Construction?
Solar farm construction refers to the process of building large-scale facilities that convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels. These farms range from 5 MW community projects to massive 300 MW+ sites powering entire regions.
The process involves more than just placing solar panels in a field. It includes land preparation, environmental approvals, mechanical and electrical work, safety planning, and grid connection.
Solar farm construction usually takes between 6 and 18 months, depending on the project size, site conditions, and compliance requirements.
Key Phases of Construction
1. Planning and Site Assessment
Before construction begins, developers must:
- Secure land agreements and assess the site
- Conduct feasibility and grid connection studies
- Prepare detailed environmental assessments and management plans
AES supports this stage by:
- Assessing the site’s environmental values and risks
- Preparing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) or other approval requirements
- Conducting ecological and cultural heritage surveys
- Mapping bushfire, erosion, and flood risk zones
We follow guidelines from local, state and national regulatory bodies.
2. Civil Works and Land Preparation
This step includes:
- Clearing vegetation (minimised wherever possible)
- Levelling the land
- Building internal roads, drainage, and fencing
- Installing erosion and sediment controls
AES ensures all civil works align with approvals and permits as well as best practice environmental guidelines.
We also help developers prepare Soil and Water Management Plans to prevent runoff into nearby creeks or wetlands.
3. Mechanical and Electrical Installation
Here, construction teams:
- Install solar tracking structures
- Mount PV panels
- Lay underground cables
- Install inverters, transformers, and switchgear
AES helps ensure infrastructure is designed with minimal environmental impacts.
4. Testing and Commissioning
Once installation is complete:
- Systems are tested for output, efficiency, and safety
- Rehabilition is implemented
- Site is reviewed for environmental compliance
AES conducts post-construction audits to ensure rehabilitation measures are complete and any waste materials have been removed responsibly.
Environmental Impact and Risk Management
Solar farms offer long-term environmental benefits through clean power generation, but construction can still present short-term risks if not managed properly.
Common risks include:
- Habitat loss
- Soil disturbance and erosion
- Introduction of invasive species
- Waterway contamination from runoff
- Waste materials from packaging, fuel, and construction debris
AES works to reduce these risks through detailed plans and on-site support. Our key services include:
- Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP)
- Weed and Biosecurity Plans
- Waste Management Plans
- Flora and Fauna Management Plans
We follow best practice guidance from national bodies like the Clean Energy Council and state-based environment departments. Our team also includes Certified Environmental Practitioners (CEnvP), a recognised industry accreditation.
Supporting Renewable Energy Growth
Solar farm construction plays a crucial role in Australia’s renewable energy expansion. These projects:
- Add significant capacity to the national electricity grid
- Reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants
- Lower wholesale electricity prices
- Create regional jobs and investment
As of 2024, Australia has over 6.2 GW of operational utility-scale solar and more than 15 GW in the pipeline (source: OpenNEM). Construction is the bridge between policy targets and actual renewable energy generation.
AES is proud to support this growth. We’ve contributed to five large-scale solar projects and continue to work across QLD, NSW, VIC, and SA.
Compliance and Regulatory Approvals
Construction must align with multiple legal frameworks, including:
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC)
- State planning laws and SEPPs (e.g. in NSW and QLD)
- Cultural heritage acts
- Local government regulations
AES guides developers through these processes to ensure:
- Timely submission of planning documents
- Clear documentation for regulators
- Minimal delays or objections from stakeholders
We’ve successfully delivered EPBC referrals and self-assessments for both standalone solar farms and hybrid BESS installations.
Reducing Waste and Promoting Circular Practices
Construction produces waste, from packaging, timber, and pallets to scrap metal and electrical materials. If unmanaged, this can harm the local environment and increase landfill pressure.
AES helps implement sustainable waste strategies, such as:
- On-site sorting and recycling
- Responsible disposal of hazardous materials
- Repurposing of construction waste where possible
We also support “design for disassembly” principles, making it easier to recycle components when solar farms are decommissioned.
Long-Term Site Stewardship
Good solar farm construction doesn’t stop at energisation. Developers must plan for:
- Ongoing vegetation management
- Soil restoration
- Firebreak maintenance
- Regular environmental inspections
AES supports these tasks through:
- Post-construction environmental audits
- Rehabilitation plans
- End-of-life decommissioning frameworks
Our approach ensures that projects remain sustainable over the long term and maintain their license to operate.
Why choose AES to reduce your impact on the Environment?
AES is a trusted partner in Australia’s solar energy transition. We bring:
- Certified environmental scientists and planners
- Deep experience across regional and urban projects
- Practical advice tailored to local conditions
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach
We are members of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) and work in line with ISO 14001 environmental management standards.
Whether you’re constructing your first 10 MW site or your fifth 300 MW solar farm, we’ll help you deliver it cleanly, compliantly, and confidently.
Learn More
Explore our full commercial support services for renewable energy: Power and Renewables – Commercial Services
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