Overview
Manildra Solar Farm is a 46 MW solar PV facility in New South Wales, Australia, owned by First Solar Australia. It contributes to the country's renewable energy transition under the Renewable Energy Target.
Manildra Solar Farm is a utility-scale solar photovoltaic facility located near Manildra, New South Wales, Australia. With a capacity of 46 megawatts, it is a medium-scale solar installation that supports Australia's growing renewable energy sector. The facility is owned by First Solar Australia, a subsidiary of the global solar manufacturer and project developer. The solar farm operates under Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET) framework, which aims to generate 33,000 GWh of renewable electricity annually by 2020. The facility uses solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity, feeding into the National Electricity Market (NEM). This scale of solar farm typically covers around 100-150 hectares and generates enough electricity to power approximately 15,000 homes. Environmentally, Manildra Solar Farm helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. The site is located in a rural area with high solar irradiance, making it suitable for solar energy production. The facility contributes to local energy security and supports Australia's commitment to the Paris Agreement, with the country targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Environmental context
The Manildra region in New South Wales experiences a temperate climate with abundant sunshine, ideal for solar energy generation. The solar farm's land use involves converting agricultural or natural land to energy production, which can impact local ecosystems. However, solar PV installations have minimal water usage and no air emissions during operation. The facility's location avoids sensitive habitats, and its design includes measures to manage stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion.
Frequently asked questions
Manildra Solar Farm is located near Manildra, New South Wales, Australia, at coordinates -33.1733, 148.7180.
Manildra Solar Farm has a capacity of 46 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Manildra Solar Farm is owned by First Solar Australia, a subsidiary of First Solar, Inc., a leading global provider of photovoltaic solar energy solutions.
Manildra Solar Farm operates under Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET), which mandates 33,000 GWh of renewable electricity by 2020. It contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying the energy mix.
Manildra Solar Farm uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity, with no moving parts and low maintenance requirements.