Off-site photovoltaic – or solar parks – is the most efficient method for generating large amounts of emission-free electricity. Unlike rooftop PV, solar parks make optimal use of suitable off-site areas and achieve low electricity generation costs. They are particularly suitable for companies, municipalities, and investors with large areas.
This post provides an in-depth overview: what solar parks achieve, on which areas they are eligible for approval, why they are economically convincing, and how CUBE CONCEPTS implements them as a product.
What is utility-scale solar?
Ground-mounted PV systems use solar modules on ground-based racks or foundations. The modules convert sunlight into direct current (DC), and inverters convert it into grid power. This power then flows directly into the company's grid or the public grid.
Difference from rooftop solar panels:
- Larger scale: 1 bis >100 MWp possible.
- Optimal orientation: South-facing, inclination angle 25–35° – an East-West orientation is also advisable.
- High yield: Less shade, better ventilation.
Solar parks are scalable and achieve electricity generation costs of 3–5 ct/kWh.
Which areas are suitable for solar farms?
Not every meadow will become a solar farm. Areas eligible for approval are:
- Conversion areas: Former industrial/commercial areas.
- Embossed surfaces: Landfills, gravel pits, quarries, military sites.
- Infrastructure areas: Highway/railway verges, sports fields.
- Farmland: Only with Agri-PV (dual use with agriculture).
Forbidden: High-quality arable/grassland, nature reserves. Federal states designate suitable areas. Since 2017, simplified building law for up to 100 hectares.
Advantages of solar parks
Solar parks convince with:
- High yield: Optimal alignment, 1,200–1,400 kWh/kWp/year.
- Scalability: From 1 MWp to megaprojects.
- Profitability: The larger, the cheaper per kWp (€0.6–0.9/Wp).
- Longevity: 30+ years, low operating costs.
- Flexibility: Compatible with co-location battery storage systems, Agri-PV, and grid integration.
Comparison: Rooftop vs. Ground-Mounted Solar:
| Criterion | Rooftop PV | Solar park |
| Yield/kWp | Middle | High |
| Scalability | Bounded by roof area | Virtually unlimited |
| Investment costs | Higher | Low |
| Approval | Simple | Complex (Building Permit) |
Planning and Installation of a Solar Park
Key steps:
- Grid connection: Medium/High Voltage
- Location Analysis: Sunlight, shade, grid connection, soil conditions.
- Feasibility study: Economic efficiency, space requirements (approx. 1–1.5 ha/MWp).
- Permissions: Building law, environmental protection, species protection, Natura 2000 assessment.
- Engineering: Modules (400–600 Wp), trackers (optional; +20% yield but more prone to failure), inverters.
Cost overview (per MWp, 2026)
| Costs | |
| Module + Inverter | 500,000 – 700,000 Euros |
| Mounting: Support structure including ramming or foundations | 200,000 – 300,000 Euro |
| Planning / Approval | 50,000 - 100,000 Euro |
| Total | 0.8 – 1.1 million Euro |
Biodiversity and Environment: Facts Over Myths
Solar parks on suitable land often promote biodiversity:
- Habitats: Flower strips, insect hotels, sheep grazing.
- Studies: BNE study shows higher species diversity than on intensive farmland.
- CO₂ balance sheet: 40–50 g CO₂/kWh versus 500 g for gas.
Criticisms (e.g., from NABU) refer to incorrect site selection – well-planned parks are ecologically positive.
Operation & Maintenance of Solar Parks
Annual Costs: 1–2% of the investment.
- Cleaning: Module cleaning 1–2x/year.
- Inspection: Wiring, inverter, foundations.
- Monitoring: Real-time monitoring (e.g., CUBE Vision), drone inspection.
- Life span: 30–40 years, degradation <0.5%/year.
Profitability: When are solar farms worthwhile?
ROI: 8–12 years with EEG remuneration + self-consumption.
Revenue streams:
- EEG surcharge (green electricity).
- Direct marketing.
- Self-consumption (for colocation).
- BESS integration (Peak Shaving).
Rule of thumb: Especially profitable from 5 MWp.
Conclusion: Solar farms as an investment in the future
Open-space photovoltaics are the most efficient way to generate large-scale electricity for suitable areas. They offer high yields, low costs, and ecological advantages - with professional planning. Solar parks are not a fad, but rather economic infrastructure for the energy transition.
FAQ
On which areas can solar farms be built?
Conversion areas, landfills, buffer strips, commercial areas. No high-quality arable land.
Do you need a building permit?
Yes, except for small systems (<750 kWp on pre-developed areas). Full inspection including species protection.
Do solar farms promote biodiversity?
Yes, on suitable areas: flower meadows, sheep, insect habitats. ESD study confirms higher diversity than monocultures.
What is the cost per kWp?
€0.6–0.9/Wp for large-scale systems, incl. installation/grid connection.
Is a solar farm worthwhile for businesses?
Yes, from 1-2 MWp: EEG + Self-consumption + BESS = ROI 8–12 years.
Solar Parks by CUBE CONCEPTS
from feasibility study to operation:
- Analysis: Area analysis, yield forecast, economic viability.
- Planning: Permits, grid connection, species protection.
- Realization: Turnkey, incl. tracker/BESS option.
- Operation: CUBE Vision Monitoring, Remote Maintenance.
- Financing: Purchase, Contracting, EEG optimization.