The Crucial Role of Design in Renewable Energy Projects
When embarking on a renewable energy project, whether it's a solar farm or a battery storage facility, the design phase is where the magic happens. From determining the optimal layout to navigating the constraints of land use and technology, every decision made during this phase can significantly impact the project's success.
In this blog, our Design Lead, Charlotte Vick, and our Design Team member, Lois Gale, explain why design is vital in renewable energy projects and how having an in-house design team tackles the complexities of turning concepts into reality. They explore the challenges of space management, the importance of staying updated with industry changes, and how effective communication with various stakeholders can streamline the process:
One of the key advantages of having an in-house design team is the seamless communication with other departments—legal, land, planning, and all the external consultants we work with, like ecologists. We can consolidate all that information internally, avoiding the confusion that can happen when relying on external parties to relay details back and forth. The industry is full of constraints, from fire safety to changes in access routes or drainage. Having design on hand allows us to adapt quickly, often within a day, rather than dragging it out over a week, which can really speed up the project timeline.
We maintain close relationships with our suppliers for both battery and solar technology. We check in every couple of months and stay ahead of new product releases. For example, we might hear about a new battery a year before it hits the market, allowing us to start incorporating it into our designs early. By the time the project is built, that technology will be ready to go. Our team works closely together—any new policy or tech update triggers a roundtable discussion, ensuring our designs are always up to date.
We also adapt our plans to accommodate the landowner's needs, especially if they have ongoing business activities, like farming. We collaborate closely with the Connections team to adjust if connection dates shift, which can impact the technology available at the time. The planning team, along with external consultants, provides essential input on ecology, drainage, access, and transport. Every factor is considered before submitting planning applications—we want to ensure our projects are feasible and buildable.
Revisions are a natural part of the process. As we receive new information from surveys and other consultants, our designs evolve. By the time we’re ready to submit a planning application, the design may have transformed significantly from its initial concept. This iterative process is why design is so crucial—it’s involved at every stage, from initial site assessments to final planning, ensuring the project not only mitigates all constraints but also anticipates future regulations, like fire safety.
Community consultations are another key part of our process. We make a big effort to involve the local community. It’s important for people to see the plans, ask questions, and really understand the project. For these consultations, we work closely with landscape architects to create realistic CGI images from sensitive viewpoints. These images show how the project will look after five or ten years, with landscaping and screening in place. It’s one thing to look at plans on paper, but seeing how the project will actually appear in real life helps people grasp the impact, especially for those living nearby.
Every team plays a crucial role in project development, but the design team brings it all to life. We take concepts from paper and transform them to 3D models and visualisations. This ability to bring visions to reality is why design is so integral to the success of renewable energy projects.
Every team plays a crucial role in project development, but the design team brings it all to life. We visualise the project from paper plans to 3D models and work closely with landscape architects to develop CGI imagery that shows how it will look in a decade. That’s why design is so important in renewable energy projects.
Design is just one piece of the puzzle in developing successful renewable energy projects. If you’re interested in how our integrated approach can bring your project to life or want to explore the future of renewable energy with us, get in touch with our team today. Let’s create a sustainable future together.
Curious about how our designs shape renewable energy projects? Discover our current projects here.