Solar projects
Truescape sets the industry standard for the communication of proposed solar projects. We enhance our client’s communication of proposals with partners, regulatory agencies, lenders, and those that can delay a project due to misinformation or lack of understanding.
We accelerate decision-making by simplifying the way proposals are communicated. By combining real world photography and survey-quality data with accurate 3D models, we deliver highly accurate and in-context images of how the project will look when completed.
Our survey-accurate visualizations remove doubt and conjecture— enabling stakeholders to properly understand the solar proposal from the start. Constructive discussions start sooner, consensus is faster— and the result is smoother passage through consultation and permitting, and faster approvals. Over 90% of our projects have been successfully permitted.
- To assist with solar array layout and design
- To ensure the entire project team understands the placement of the solar plant in the context of the existing environment
- To inform and engage with external stakeholders during public outreach
- As a trusted platform for environmental and other discussions with local and federal regulators
- To provide expert testimony at permitting hearings
- To explain the construction timeline to interested communities
Siting
Truescape enhances the early phases of solar projects by providing visualizations to aid with project design, land acquisition and assessment of reflection and glare. Seasonal changes can also be demonstrated.
TrueZVI (Zone of visual influence) images show areas potentially affected by the project and further help the design team to optimize project design. Truescape simulations are also used to help evaluate alternative ways to construct the project.
Alternate designs can be accurately simulated and viewed from a variety of locations. Our 3D flyovers and ZVI images (Zone of Visual Influence) focus on areas of potential public, legal and environmental concern.
Truescape photo and video 3D simulations are the ideal way to demonstrate the whole solar proposal to internal project teams.
- Where is the solar array in the context of the surrounding district?
- How many landowners will be affected by solar panels and towers, transmission towers and access roads?
- Are there areas of special environmental interest or vulnerability which need to be avoided in planning the layout?
- What are the important issues for regulators?
- What are the important issues for other external stakeholders and how might public outreach be organised?
We can deliver accurate project simulations very quickly. Please contact us to discuss our data requirements.
Public outreach
Public awareness and concern for the environment and for the visual
landscape is increasing. Truescape images are very powerful tools that
enable the public to understand a proposed project; they enable the
developer to create a trusting relationship with all stakeholders during
this critical phase.
A non-emotive, factual representation of a solar project is the first step to informing others about the proposal. The sooner that stakeholders can see what is proposed, the easier it is to resolve misunderstandings.
Our standard photo simulation offering is the TrueView™ human-field-of-view image. It is the most accurate on the market, and represents proposals in the way we actually see them, rather than how a camera lens sees.
TrueView™images are used to show stakeholders what the solar plant will look like from key viewpoints. Many TrueViewTM images are used on client web sites, or as the main focus at public outreach meetings. These images can be re-used during other phases of the project, delivering an excellent return on investment.
We can also combine various visualization techniques into a standalone communication video. These professional public outreach productions, with voice-over, deliver key information very effectively. The video may include animated maps combined with other techniques, such as time lapse, that address specific issues.
Truescape can work with you to provide suitable materials for public outreach. All images are of "testimony" quality, should they be needed at subsequent legal hearings.
Regulatory review
For politicians and others who may not understand the scope of a solar plant,
a video presentation is a professional and sophisticated way of presenting
the proposal; it enables key external stakeholders to immediately understand
the true impact and benefits of the project.
Placing the solar array into the correct location can allay fears about visibility issues, and the amount of land required. If there are concerns that static images convey just one set of conditions, Truescape time lapse simulations provide compelling evidence under a variety of different light and climatic conditions.
This level of detail reassures interested parties that there is a responsible and transparent approach to communicating the environmental effects of the transmission proposal.
Ask us how we can help you to communicate the true impact of other effects of interest to stakeholders in your project. For example, stakeholders may be interested in understanding the movement of known populations of animals through the footprint area, or the habitats of desert lizards or other species of plants or animals, and their proximity to the proposed footprint.
Permitting
Truescape visualizations are produced to survey accuracy. Our production process has been tested many times in courts of law and planning hearings, where Truescape expert witnesses have provided testimony in support of the accuracy of our images and animations. This service has evolved into one of the most respected and experienced in the visualization sector worldwide.
In recent times, our expert witnesses have also been called upon to communicate the methodology and accuracy of our simulations at key public meetings, as part of public outreach programs.
Stakeholders leave with the clear understanding that the project simulations are a reliable and factual aid to decision-making. Truescape simulations build trust in the project because they have been generated by an independent and professional consultant, rather than an affiliate of the developer.
Construction
Truescape visualizations are useful during the tendering and construction
process. Our simulations assist contractors to de-risk their tendering
process, enable financiers to understand the project, and assist with
marketing to prospective investors or customers.
Public outreach is an ongoing engagement, and the photo and video images which you have used at earlier stages of the project can now be used to provide additional marketing and PR collateral on your web site; and on signage, as construction begins.
Our photo and video 3D simulations can be used to show communities how the solar project will look at each stage of the construction timeline. Some of our clients also use visualizations to illustrate their different construction methodologies.