About Glenrowan West Solar Farm
Glenrowan West Solar Farm is a single axis tracking project, located just off the Hume Freeway, between Benalla and Wangaratta, 11km south-west of the town of Glenrowan in Victoria. The site is designed to have an installed capacity of approx. 149-megawatt peak (MWp) DC which covers 323 hectares of land. Construction of the Solar Farm commenced in February 2020 and achieved it’s first export of clean energy in December 2020 - an impressive construction timeline of only 9-months.
Owned by Gentari Solar Australia (formerly, WIRSOL Energy), Australia’s largest integrated renewable energy developer*. Gentari Solar Austrakua is working hard to realise renewable energy systems of all sizes, using extensive experience gathered from building more than 800MWp of renewable energy projects internationally.
Glenrowan West Solar Farm comprises of over 373,000 solar panels which generates enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 41,000 local homes and prevent 110,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions which assists in the international effort to tackle climate change.
*SERAnalytics, November 2017.
JOBS CREATED DURING CONSTRUCTION (PEAK)
350
solar modules INSTALLEd
373,248
ESTIMATED HOMES POWERED WITH CLEAN ENERGY
41,000
ESTIMATED ANNUAL C02 SAVINGS
315,000 tonnes
Project News
Site Location
Latitude: -36.486943
Longitude: 146.143921
[Entrance to site is off Winton-Glenrowan Rd, directly onto Eleven Mile Creek Rd.]
Community Consultation
Those involved in realising Glenrowan West Solar Farm are committed to developing an honest relationship with the local community throughout all stages of the project and to making Glenrowan West Solar Farm shine.
To obtain further information and any general enquiries regarding the project, please use the contact form below to get in touch with our friendly team.
DOCUMENT DOWNLOADS
FAQs
Q: Why was this location chosen for Glenrowan West Solar Farm?
This site meets the key criteria:
- Close proximity to a strong part of the grid transmission network with available capacity.
- Flat cleared land, best suited for solar farm projects.
- Very low environmental impacts.
- Agreements with the landowners to develop a project.
- Great transport access with minimal impact to local roads.
Q: How do solar panels and/or solar farms in general impact the environment?
Solar Farm projects are one of many ways we can future proof Australia’s energy supply and play our part in the international effort to tackle climate change. They are considered to be one of the most environmentally-friendly and sustainable ways of generating power. They produce practically no noise or waste, and require minimal maintenance. At the end of their serviceable life the land can revert to its original use. A safer and cleaner environment will ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
Q: What will be done to reduce the visual impact?
A mix of low canopy and upper canopy plants will be used along the border of Eleven Mile Creek Road to provide some visual screening of the solar farm. Further information on the landscaping plan will be available at the information session.
Q: How much glint and glare will be generated from the solar panels?
Solar panels use low reflectivity glass and are designed to absorb as much light as possible in order to maximise their energy generation. When the light hits the panel at a low angle they can reflect some light however the average reflection of a solar panel is less than a car windscreen. A glare assessment was carried out for the site and found that the plant does not pose any dangerous glint or glare for motorists.
Q: How many jobs will be created and will they be sourced locally?
At peak, during the construction phase we estimate over 350 jobs will be created to deliver the project. An information session will be held for local businesses and workers to express their interest to become involved in the project in various capacities.
Q: How long will Glenrowan West Solar Farm be operational for, and what happens after that?
The solar farm is expected to operate for at least 30 years. After decommissioning, the infrastructure would be removed and returned to its pre-works condition. The project would not have any long-term effect on agricultural productivity or future land use.
Project Timeline
Project Partners
WIRTGEN INVEST is the investor and owner of Glenrowan West Solar Farm. The investment company has grown into a clear global market leader over the past 60 years, with renewable energy being one of its key and growing fields of activity with a dedicated interest in developing assets in Australia.
Gentari Solar Australia is a leading renewable energy company in Australia, specialising in development, construction and the operation of solar farms. Gentari Solar Australia managed the construction at Glenrowan West Solar Farm and now the operations and maintenance of the project.
Signal Energy lead the construction for Glenrowan West Solar Farm. Their portfolio covers engineering, procurement, and construction/balance of plant services for renewable energy and infrastructure projects worldwide. Signal Energy’s team were the main contractor on site, and took the project through to it’s handover stage to Gentari Solar Australia.
WiNRG manages wind and solar projects and the transactions of these for its clients. This includes own project development, seeking and assessing project offers, EPC management and long-term service contracts. WiNRG assisted the monitoring of the planning and construction progress of Glenrowan West Solar Farm as representative of WIRTEN INVEST.
We value your feedback
For all general enquiries, complaints and feedback regarding Glenrowan West Solar Farm, please get in touch via our contact form below or call our team on 1300 187 021.
We look forward to your feedback and will be pleased to assist you.
