Solar and battery
From solar farms to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), the face of energy production is changing.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service are here to help keep Kent and Medway safe from the risks of fire. With the rise of solar and BESS sites, we are committed to monitoring the progress not only of installations but also of future regulations and guidance relating to them.
BESS installations must be approved by your local authority who are not legally required to consult us as part of the approval process. However, the government and the National Fire Chiefs Council encourages local authorities and applicants to get in touch with us before and/or early on in the planning process
For information, advice and guidance for the public, applicants and designers, please see below.
Solar farms and BESS
Overview
The move towards sustainable methods of energy production has given rise to new technologies such as solar farms and BESS, to create and store surplus electrical energy.
Solar farms are generally comprised of ground-mounted, multiple solar photovoltaic panels which work by converting sunlight to electricity. They produce energy, which is either fed into the national grid, or stored.
BESS store electricity, usually in lithium ion batteries, and allow for variations in supply and demand. They are often sited alongside solar farms, but can also be standalone sites in close proximity to existing power grid/network infrastructure. This type of electrical storage is expected to increase in the UK. The government have set out why it is important to plan for renewable and low carbon energy in their 'Guidance – Renewable and low carbon energy'
Learn more
Solar farms
Solar (photovoltaic or PV) panels are one of the fastest growing forms of generating electricity and often accompany BESS sites.
BESS
Information about grid scale BESS, guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council, and more
For applicants, designers and planners
Information about working with us early on in your project, how we can work with you to check your proposed site meets the NFCC guidance, what you need to know, and what you need to do, and tell us.
Frequently asked questions
From accessing sites with narrow roads and water supply for firefighting, to the safety of BESS sites and planning applications, our FAQs provide useful information which may answer your question.