Solar power developments bring acoustic considerations that are easily overlooked but frequently decisive at the planning stage. Utility-scale solar farms — and the battery energy storage systems increasingly built alongside them — introduce continuous noise from inverters, transformers, BESS cooling and HVAC plant, and tracking equipment, often in quiet rural settings where background noise is low and even modest sound levels can be intrusive. Matrix Acoustic works with solar developers, EPC contractors and landowners from the earliest stages, carrying out baseline noise measurements at surrounding receivers and preparing environmental noise impact assessments that quantify operational and construction noise, address tonal characteristics such as transformer hum, and demonstrate compliance with planning criteria and EPA limits to support development approvals.
We also provide high-level planning advice during site selection and layout, helping clients position inverters, transformers and battery systems to manage noise exposure and reduce risk before designs are fixed. Where mitigation is required, we develop detailed designs for the necessary measures — acoustic enclosures, barriers and screening around plant — and manage performance through the process to verify the noise outcomes specified are achieved on site. From initial feasibility through to operational compliance, we help solar and storage projects meet their acoustic obligations and maintain good relationships with neighbouring communities.