Wallaroo Solar Farm

A handy Executive Summary in The Spectator 23rd May 2025 by John Mole detailing as to why, in their lifetimes, Solar-PV’s will never generate enough usable electricity to replace the coal/gas electricity they originated from.



For this to succeed, the electricity generated must be greater than the electricity expended in making & installing the panels (embodied energy). The number of years it takes for this energy recovery is called Energy Pay-Back Time (EPBT) as explained in more detail in the attached PDF.



Solar – A risky waste of time & money, John Mole, The Spectator 17th May 2023 1
The Spectator
Solar: a risky waste of time and money | The Spectator Australia
John Mole, 17 May 2023
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In Australia, great reliance is being placed
on electricity generation from solar
panels, both roof-mounted & solar farms.
The aim is to replace generation from coal
& gas to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers recognise that, for this to
succeed, the electricity generated & used
must be greater than the electricity expended
in making & installing the panels (embodied
energy). The number of years it takes for this
energy recovery is called Energy Pay-Back
Time (EPBT).
It is clear that pay-back times should be short
because, until the embodied energy is
replaced, there cannot be any positive output.
Numerous studies have determined that the
pay-back time is between one and five years
for rooftop solar & longer for solar farms. This
is all very well, but solar panels alone are not
a practical, generating system.
Nothing is generated from late afternoon
through the night to the next morning. No
electricity every night…
Clearly, a battery has to be added for
continuous supply & the embodied energy
from the manufacture of the battery has to be
included in the analysis. Electricity consumed
overnight is replaced when the battery is
recharged by the solar panel during the next
day.
What happens if the next day is cloudy?
Clearly, a bigger battery & a bigger solar panel
would be needed. The embodied energy of
the bigger battery & panel must be included in
assessing pay-back time & the viability of the
system. What if the day after that is also
cloudy? An even bigger battery & panel than
needed. How many cloudy days need to be
accounted for?
Any electricity generation system that
cannot recover the energy embodied in its
manufacture, in a short time, or not at all
in its lifetime, cannot be considered viable
for electricity supply, or for emissions
reduction.
Yooko Tsuchiya et al reported on two cases
of PV electricity generation systems in subSaharan rural Tanzania, concluding that
EPBT analyses showed unsatisfactory
performance. They reported that: ‘At one
site, the EPBT even exceeded the lifespan
of the PV panel, indicating that energy
recovery was impossible.’
The question arises as to whether PV
electricity generation can replace coal/gas
generation in Australia. This study examines
the energy recovery potential of rooftop solar
for three cities in Australia representing the
extremes of climate, viz. Melbourne, (worst
case state capital for sunny days, excepting
Hobart), Perth, (best case state capital for
sunny days) & Alice Springs (central
Australia).
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
has records of solar radiation day-by-day for
years 1990 to 2022. These data sets show
that, of these 33 years, 16 have radiation
below average & that May, June & July are the
Solar – A risky waste of time & money, John Mole, The Spectator 17th May 2023 2
months most likely to risk electricity
shortages, ie. blackouts.
Using these data, a new study has calculated
the sizes of solar panel & battery which give
the least, combined, embodied energy, then
calculated the Energy Pay-Back time for
Melbourne, (least sunny days capital
excepting Hobart), Perth (most sunny days
capital) & Alice Springs (central Australia).
Full details of the study are available on
request. The results show that:
• The Energy Pay-Back time for roof-top
solar generation of electricity is 22 to 24
years for Melbourne, 14 to 15 years for
Perth & 14 years for Alice Springs.
• For Melbourne, Perth & Alice Springs,
EPBT’s exceed the lifetime of the battery,
therefore, batteries have to be replaced
twice in the 30-year lifetime of the solar
panel. Accounting for this, the energy
embodied in the manufacture & installation
of the system is not recovered in the
lifetime of the system.
• Storage of excess summer generation for
practical use requires very large batteries,
resulting in unfavourable EPBT.
The following conclusions can be drawn:
• Since prior research indicates that solar
farms are worse than rooftop solar, solar
farms are not a feasible replacement for
traditional coal/gas-based electricity
generation.
• Given equal dollar value eg dollars per
kWh, assigned to both input & output
electricity, the cost results will echo the
energy results, that is to say that the cost
incurred in manufacture etc. will not be
recovered in the lifetime of the system.
Given that, within that lifetime, the batteries
would be replaced at additional cost, it
follows that electricity generated by the
solar system will always be more
expensive than the input coal/gas
electricity which established the system.
Statements by politicians such as, ‘the
reason electricity is more expensive
now is because we do not have enough
renewable energy’ is the reverse of the
facts. The more solar generation we
have, the more expensive electricity will
become.
• Subsidies to adjust input and/or output
dollar charges do not change the costs.
They transfer costs to another element of
production, for zero added value. Such
subsidies are therefore inherently
inflationary.
• Continued purchase of solar panels &
batteries from low-cost, coal/gas-based
producers while, at the same time,
inhibiting & closing domestic coal/gasbased electricity, presents national
security issues, for no economic or
environmental benefit.
• Persistence with the widespread
installation of PV panels & batteries &
closure of coal or gas-fired power stations,
will result in greater, not lesser,
emissions of carbon dioxide, higher
electricity charges & higher inflation.
Put simply, Australia mines coal & exports it
to China where coal-fired power stations
generate electricity, which is used to
manufacture PV panels & batteries, which
Australia buys & uses to generate electricity
from the rays of the sun. In their lifetimes, the
solar panels never generate enough usable
electricity to replace the coal/gas electricity
they originated from.
Reliance on solar combined with closing
down coal & gas generation is definitely
premature & will lead to power shortages,
inflated energy costs, compromised
national security & increased carbon
dioxide emissions. Australia would be
better off for supply reliability, emissions,
costs & sovereign security, to use coal &
gas domestically for electricity generation.

The map coordinates of Yass are 34.8 degrees south. There have been two papers which analysed the carbon dioxide emissions created to make solar panels compared with the carbon dioxide saved over an anticipated lifetime. As you move further from the equator, the productivity of solar lessens. The break even latitude is at 35 degrees. Meaning that this project will save virtually nothing of carbon dioxide, but will have emitted CO2 already, and its electricity production will save very little over it's lifetime. A reasonable person would not proceed to construct a solar farm at this latitude.

Speaking on behalf of all the nature-lovers, country-town lovers, history lovers, and vine-yard lovers, please don't ruin our Wallaroo. I have been visiting the area ever since I was a child when my parents would take me there for swimming and fishing trips. These days I do the same for my kids, while I also get to enjoy the unparalleled vineyards and the beautiful landscape and wild-life of the area. To erect a solar farm in these green rolling hills would cause irreparable damage to the local ecosystem, culture, and vibrancy of this fantastic town. Please don't ruin our Wallaroo. Put the solar farm somewhere else.

I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed solar farm project in the community. While I understand the importance of renewable energy and the need to transition to more sustainable sources, I believe that this particular project will have a significantly negative impact on the natural beauty and outlooks of the area.

One of the primary reasons people choose to purchase homes in the community is the unique and picturesque environment it offers. The scenic landscapes, rolling fields, and unobstructed views contribute greatly to the overall appeal and quality of life for residents. Introducing a large-scale solar farm in such a pristine area will irrevocably alter its aesthetic charm and compromise the very essence of why people choose to live here.

Moreover, the negative visual impact of the solar farm will inevitably lead to a decline in property values. Potential homebuyers, attracted by the natural beauty of the area, may reconsider their decision to invest in properties that no longer offer the picturesque surroundings they desire. This can have a profound economic impact on the entire community, as reduced property values not only affect homeowners but also affect local businesses and tax revenue.

I kindly request that you reconsider the proposed location and undertake a thorough assessment of alternative sites that would minimize the impact on the community's natural beauty and property values. It is essential to involve the local residents in the decision-making process, as their concerns and perspectives are vital to maintaining the integrity of the community.

I urge you to seriously consider the objections raised by myself and community members who share these concerns. We believe that by finding a more suitable location for the solar farm project, we can achieve the dual goals of renewable energy generation and preserving the unique character and value of our area.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will give my objections careful consideration and make the appropriate decision in the best interest of the community. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the outcome of this important issue.

The area is desired for its natural beauty and aesthetic, prospective buyers focus on the peaceful and quiet nature of the place

As a resident of this community, I strongly object to the proposed solar farm that will use our local roads and destroy the picturesque view of the surrounding areas. While the idea of a renewable energy source is commendable, the negative impact this solar farm could have on our environment and quality of life is just not worth it.

First and foremost, the increased traffic from heavy trucks transporting solar panels and equipment to and from the site will cause unnecessary wear and tear on our already limited local roads. It will also increase the likelihood of accidents, disrupting our daily lives and putting our safety at risk.

Moreover, the visual impact of the solar farm would be significant. The area proposed for development is currently a scenic location with beautiful views. The placement of such an industrial operation would diminish the beauty of the area and make it less attractive to tourists. This would have a negative impact not only on our quality of life but also on the local economy.

Lastly, the environmental impact of a solar farm in this area is a cause for concern. The clearing of natural landscapes to make room for panels, the potential loss of habitat for local wildlife, and the impact on the ecosystem are all issues that cannot be ignored.

In conclusion, as a resident, I ask all concerned stakeholders to consider the impact of this solar farm not only on the environment but also on the community. I believe it is essential to explore alternative renewable energy sources which do not have such adverse effects on our local environment and way of life to service the ACT while using a NSW location.

This road (Gooromon Ponds) is a 5 tonne load limited road and is not suitable for the volume of proposed trucks and traffic necessary to build this project. Children ride horses along Gooroomon Ponds, school buses transport children twice daily, there are many walkers and cyclists who also use this road on a daily basis. This proposal is unsafe and unnecessary for this local community. We are also concerned about the damage to our roads, caused by the numbers of trucks and proposed vehicles. The farm is an eyesore, environmentally unfriendly and is to be built on rich and fertile farming land. I believe this site is unsuitable for a proposed solar farm.

As a major land holder and long term (40 years) resident of Wallaroo, i am opposed to the construction of a major solar farm in the proposed location. I have invested heavily into four properties (circa 650 acres) within 1km of the proposed development, based on the quality of the farming country, its proximity to the ACT and the picturesque surroundings that is Wallaroo.
I am definitely not opposed to renewable power production, however i am fully aware that there are several alternative locations for a project of this scale.
I am a firm believer that the construction of this solar farm will have negative physiological effects on residents directly or indirectly affected, not to mention the obvious devaluing of our properties.

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed solar farm that is planned to be built in close proximity to a densely populated area. While I understand the importance of renewable energy sources in addressing climate change, I am worried about the negative impact that this development may have on our community.

Firstly, the solar farm will cause a significant obstruction to our views, diminishing the natural beauty that surrounds our homes. This will also affect the value of our properties and create a sense of dissatisfaction among homeowners. Additionally, a large-scale solar farm in a densely populated area will cause concerns about visual pollution and noise pollution.

Furthermore, the potential negative health impacts of living near a solar farm cannot be ignored. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to a large number of solar panels can cause health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. This could be a particular issue for those living in close proximity to the proposed development.

The construction of a solar farm involves clearing large tracts of land, which could lead to habitat destruction and a loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the installation of solar panels may obstruct the view and alter the natural landscape, which is a concern for us who value the beauty and preservation of the surroundings.

Therefore, I urge you to reconsider the location of the proposed solar farm and to choose a site that is more suitable, away from densely populated areas. This would ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are not outweighed by the negative impact that a development too close to our homes could bring.

We also have an objection to the designated route for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the proposal. It is through a community which use the road for school buses and after school extra curricular (horse riding). The road is not suitable nor approved for vehicles over 5 tonne. The highway intersection would also need to be upgraded and will create a major hinderance for all traffic entering and exiting ACT/NSW via the northern border on Barton Hwy.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Tammy Klep

building this under the flag of sustainability with total disregard for local residents Ian’s the impact it will have on them. The number of homes directly impacted are more then the survey suggests, which is misleading.
This project has offshore money building it, offshore money supplying the panels.
Environmental risks are higher than claimed.
This government project should be abandoned until a truly suitable location is identified where densely populated homes and families are not placed at risk, which in this case they so clearly are.

I am a bordering neighbour to this project and have concerns it will be visually intrusive to me with glare from the solar panels. I also believe there will be environmental damage to native species like the legless lizard .

I had previously contacted the person originally assigned to the project to meet with me to discuss tree plantings on my property that may assist to minimise the visual impact but did not hear back and hope this can still occur.

I believe the solar farm would have a detrimental impact on my land value and would like to discuss possible compensation for this.

Regards

David Haridemos

Double standards
Unethical
Immoral
If you dig deep enough illegal
This states government's ability to collude with the Territory's government to build this under the flag of sustainability with total disregard for local residents is so blindingly obvious it's not funny.
This project has offshore money building it, offshore money supplying the panels. The money trail will ultimately lead to offshore banks in Spain becoming wealthier.
The number of homes directly impacted are more then the survey suggests.
Environmental risks are higher than claimed.
This government project should be abandoned until a truly suitable location is identified where densely populated homes and families are not placed at risk, which in this case they so clearly are.

I am writing to express my objection to the proposed Wallaroo Solar farm.

Whilst I acknowledge clean energy projects of this scale are necessary, I strongly believe that the location of this particular project is completely unsuitable. As highlighted in figure 7 of the Visual Impact Assessment (page 28) the visual impact is immense on tens of thousands of people who reside in the north west of Canberra and Wallaroo.

In addition, the close proximity to the pristine Murrumbidgee River corridor and the well-preserved Ginninderra Creek that adjoins this project means any resultant loss of biodiversity in this area would be an extremely undesirable outcome.

Wallaroo is an incredibly important refuge for both residents and visitors alike who come to enjoy the undisturbed nature side. The Biodiversity Development Assessment Report highlights real impacts on many important flora and fauna in the area, and I don’t believe these impacts are suitably addressed.

Canberra is known as the “Bush Capital” of the world and this project jeopardises the very fabric of what the nations capital was built upon. Unlike other capital cities, Canberra is (until now) surrounded completely by native land and I don’t believe this should be compromised.

I trust the above concerns will be considered.

I believe that this solar farm is TOO close to houses and their residents, as well as the walking tracks used by the local community. I am also concerned about the wildlife... both big and small.

Also, my understanding is that those researching this project have done so using Google views (or similar) and have not even been on site to actually SEE the site and view the area and the surrounding houses and those who will be most affected. This, if true, is hardly fair.

Also, the damage to the road(s), (Wallaroo Rd and Gooromon Ponds Rd) with so many large trucks moving over it for many, MANY months will not be inconsequential. They are NOISY, and with the best will in the world, they are not monitored for their speed, and history has shown (a number of years ago when a house was being built on Gooromon Ponds Rd and soil was being brought in) that the trucks SPEED along, seemingly with little or no care or consideration for the road or (most especially) other users. No doubt they will be on a time schedule, and speeding becomes the norm. The road is NOT BUILT to take the constant barrage of these big, heavy trucks..... and as they damage the road, we damage our cars.

Dear State Significant Development Team,

I am writing to express my great concerns about the proposed Wallaroo solar farm in its current location. The proposed site is not located within a designated NSW renewable energy zone, which raises questions about the suitability of the location for a large-scale solar facility. The construction and operation of the solar farm could create a microclimate in the area, altering the local climate and impacting the surrounding ecosystems, flora and fauna, and agricultural activities. It is crucial to thoroughly assess and mitigate these potential impacts before proceeding with the project.

Furthermore, the social and economic impact of the Wallaroo solar farm cannot be underestimated. The local community and economy will suffer negative consequences due to the stigma associated with a large-scale solar facility. This could deter visitors and potential investors, impacting the tourism industry and overall growth of the region. The proposed location of the solar farm is prime blue ribbon farming land, and the conversion of such valuable land into a solar farm would not only result in the loss of productive farming capabilities but also disrupt the agricultural industry in the region.

Lastly, the proposed site is the closest acreage to back onto the borders of the Australian Capital Territory. The proximity raises concerns about the potential visual impact and intrusion on the scenic beauty of the region. It is essential to carefully evaluate the visual compatibility of the solar farm in this particular location and consider alternative sites to minimize any adverse effects on the bordering area.

I urge you to reconsider the proposed location of the Wallaroo solar farm and take into account the long-term implications on the social fabric, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of the region.

Regards
Tony Pasquariello

While totally supporting the concept of a large solar farm in the region, I believe it is an inappropriate use of that land:
* The proposed site is amongst rural residential dwellings and next to urban residential dwellings.
* The proposed development is a visual eyesore for both rural and urban residences
* The proposed development is a visual eyesore for tourists visiting the area and in particular to those seeking the rural environment accommodation offered in the area as well as those visiting the wineries of the Wallaroo area. The wineries constitute a substantial tourism drawcard to the area and to the region overall.
* There are other highly suitable areas just to the west of the Murrumbidgee River and heading towards Mountain Creek Road, with transmission lines very close by, that would be less expensive to lease and would not create issues for many rural and urban residences. Those areas provide more appropriate site options.

WE OBJECT TO THE BUILDING OF THE WALLAROO SOLAR FARM

Our property boundary neighbours the Wallaroo Solar Farm. We live close to the proposed Solar Farm being from an adjoining property. The reason our family moved to the Wallaroo region was due to the rural, quiet lifestyle offered. The views in the area are outstanding and with the introduction of a solar farm this view would be destroyed. There are young families located in the region which makes for a tight community feel which allows families to enjoy the rural life. This would change if the proposed solar became approved.
The amount of traffic which would affect our quiet rural road would become extremely dangerous. The local roads are quite narrow and damaged making travel at present dangerous and difficult. Adding the additional construction and operational traffic would be negligent. Due to the young families in the area, there are children who access the roads for school and everyday activities. There would be significant issues caused by the increase in traffic. Young drivers on P and L plates are common on the roads and introducing large trucks would pose a significant issue to safety.
The fact is the farms in the area are situated on prime farming land. The solar farm would remove a significant area of what could be highly productive farmland. Our property was purchased to develop and cultivate the land to add to the aesthetic of the area. Our intention was long term to provide a rural lifestyle for future generations to enjoy and the introduction of a solar farm would cause a decrease in property values after significant effort was given to the construction of the property.
Due to the close proximity to the proposed solar farm, we have several health concerns. This close proximity to houses with a solar farm has not to my knowledge been done before. There are possible issues around heat transmission from the panels, sound/noise (operational and construction), ongoing dust problems, potential of battery explosion/fire. These are all significant concerns which reinforce the fact that the Wallaroo Solar Farm should not be built in the proposed location.
In conclusion the visual impact would be devastating for the surrounding properties, a devaluation in property values and a negative change to the existing rural environment.

Robert and Marijana

The solar farm will negatively affect local environmental aspects such as the existing wildlife corridor. Additional, the current road infrastructure will not handle the level of increased traffic creating significant risk and danger on local roads.
While I support renewable energies, I strongly oppose the solar farm being placed in the locality.

To whom it may concern.
I wish to lodge an objection to the proposed construction of the Wallaroo Solar Farm.
I am concerned with the impact construction will have on our 5-ton limited local road. As it is currently, I believe there is no scope for the road to carry any extra traffic, let alone trucks and the extra workers (around 200) for the duration of the construction, believed to be for 12-18 months. I understand that construction is due to commence in 9-10 months.
Please provide me with any information regarding what immediate benefits the local community will receive, if any. As it stands, I don't see any benefits for anyone (apart from the landholders who you will be leasing the land from (2 as I understand it)).
The people who will be directly impacted by the intrusion on their views certainly will not be receiving any benefits. I am of the view that the balance of community in the surrounding area will probably have their land values decreased due to the construction and ongoing running of the solar farm.
I am extremely concerned regarding the extra traffic which will inundate our local road and how that will affect the local community school children and the school bus run. We currently have a bus run, twice a day during school terms. At present, on most pick up points (driveways) there is very limited, if any, shoulder for the bus to pull off safely to allow children to board or disembark. The increase in traffic will substantially affect the safety of these children, in some cases, when crossing the roads who are travelling to and from school on the bus.
Whilst I am not opposed to alternative energy sources, I do not understand "why" you would consider building this farm in a quite well populated rural/residential area. We have all paid for the privilege to live here, where it is peaceful and away from the city and industrial life and in a place of significant natural beauty and habitat. One which we prefer to retain as it is currently.
What happens if the company who is undertaking this project, ceases to exist in 30 years’ time or when they are required to return the landscape to its current state? What will happen in this scenario, where not only is the equipment redundant, but it is no longer maintained? Who will rectify the situation if this was to occur?
Although I am not directly visually affected by the desecration of the area concerned, I am concerned for the neighbours and the community that it will affect.
I am also interested to know if there have been any impact statements done around existing solar farms in existing rural/residential areas. Are there any lasting effects on any emissions that may be given off during the operation of the solar or the general noise associated with their operation?
I look forward to receiving your response.
Regards
Vanessa Jones.

I object to the solar farm as it will interfere with the natural beauty of our neighbourhood and devalue our land value