About Viewbank Solar Farm

If approved, the Viewbank Solar Farm will be constructed on private land approximately 5 kilometres east of Stanhope in Victoria, within the Greater Shepparton City Council Area.

The proposed solar farm will consist of approximately 172,000 solar panels installed across the 217-hectare site. The solar farm will generate enough clean, renewable energy to power approx. 37,400 Victorian homes.

The solar farm will connect to the existing 66 kV Powercor transmission line which runs along the southern boundary of the site on Midland Highway. The solar farm layout avoids most environmental constraints and has been designed to minimise the removal of remnant native vegetation.

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Peak Power: 75 MW AC
Annual Production: 187,000 MWh/Year
CO2 Avoided: 132,000 t/Year
Households Supplied: 37,400
Surface: 217 Hectares
Operation Start: 2023
System Type: Solar photovoltaic panels with single axis tracking mount, string inverters and a Battery Energy Storage System.

Commited to Shine

  • FRV Services Australia is the owner and developer of the Viewbank Solar Farm project.
  • A Planning Permit Application was lodged with the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) in August 2020.
  • FRV are committed to developing a reliable and safe clean energy asset for the region and to continuing community engagement throughout the project’s lifetime.

Bright Prospects

Viewbank Solar Farm will deliver significant benefits to the region:

  • Construction will create significant job opportunities. FRV requires all contractors working on its solar farm developments to hire local contractors and utilise local suppliers wherever possible. It is estimated that around 150 workers will be required to construct the project
  • During operations 4 to 5 ongoing operational roles will be created. Maintenance contracts for panel cleaning, fence repair, road grading, etc. would also be required and would likely be met by local contractors.
  • The employment benefits extend through the local supply chains to fuel supply, vehicle servicing, hotels/motels, B&B’s, cafés, pubs, catering, cleaning companies, tradespersons, tool and equipment suppliers and many other businesses
  • Located on the transmission line between Stanhope and Shepparton, the project will deliver clean, zero emissions electricity to meet the region’s energy needs and helps further the development of the NSW clean energy industry.

Powering the Future

  • Viewbank Solar Farm will utilise state of the art solar photovoltaic panels mounted on a horizontal, single-axis tracking system that enable the panels to track the sun. This technology operates in varying daylight conditions including low light and cloudy weather and is extremely efficient for generating clean electricity with minimal noise, water consumption or waste.
  • The solar farm would consist of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels similar to those installed throughout Australia on residential and commercial properties.
  • The panels will be mounted on steel frames supported by driven piles that will create minimal disturbance to the land. This will allow sheep to continue to graze in and around them once the solar farm is operational.
  • Once complete, Viewbank Solar Farm is expected to generate for up to 30 years.