Power from the city's highway? Solingen is considering a huge solar park on Viehbachtalstraße

Green energy for Solingen: The pros and cons of a solar park on Viehbachtalstraße

The debate surrounding the energy transition in Solingen is gaining a new, concrete focus: Viehbachtalstraße. At the initiative of the Green Party, the city administration is to examine whether a large-scale solar park can be built along the busy traffic artery. The initiative aims to solve one of the central challenges of climate neutrality: Where can one find space in a densely populated city like Solingen for the urgently needed expansion of renewable energies?

The idea of ​​installing photovoltaic systems along traffic routes is a strategically intelligent choice. Federal and state policy clearly favors such already contaminated areas over valuable farmland or untouched nature. The corridor along Viehbachtalstraße thus comes into focus as a potentially low-conflict area that could serve Solingen's ambitious climate goals. The city is already pursuing a clear course with its "Climate-Neutral Solingen 2040" concept and its own potential analysis for open-space PV, into which this review fits seamlessly.

But the path from idea to reality is complex and fraught with numerous hurdles. Before even a single solar module can be installed, a comprehensive chain of assessments is required. This includes not only building and planning law procedures such as the preparation of a development plan, but also rigorous environmental and nature conservation expert opinions. Traffic-related aspects also play a crucial role: Safety on the L141 state road must not be compromised under any circumstances by blinding drivers. Finally, the economic viability and eligibility for EEG funding must be ensured, and the grid connection must be clarified by the Solingen municipal utilities. The Green Party's application for review thus marks the start of an in-depth feasibility study that will show whether the vision of clean electricity from the expressway can soon become reality.

Green Party motion for review: Could a solar park be built along Viehbachtalstraße in Solingen?

Main message: A solar park along Solingen's Viehbachtalstraße is conceivable in principle, but requires a series of planning, legal, nature conservation, and traffic-related assessments. The Green Party's initiative to commission a review in the Environment Committee fits in with Solingen's existing strategies for climate neutrality and PV expansion and addresses a desired expansion of land for open-space PV at both federal and state levels. The concrete feasibility depends largely on urban land-use planning (land use plan/development plan), environmental assessment, EEG funding eligibility, distance and glare assessments, the location to the L141/Viehbachtalstraße, and the urban potential. Solingen has already established the basis for open-space PV (potential analysis, "Climate-Neutral Solingen 2040" target concept, and Energy Policy Work Program), while North Rhine-Westphalia has recently significantly expanded its land use and funding instruments.

What is the move about?

What political question is currently being asked in Solingen?

The Green Party council group intends to commission a review to determine whether a solar park along Viehbachtalstraße ("L141N"/"Vieh") is feasible as a ground-mounted photovoltaic (G-PV) system. This is due to the significant increase in the number of large-scale PV installations in Germany, the need for additional solar capacity to achieve targets, and the search for low-conflict, urban-friendly corridors. Local reference points include recent debates in the Climate, Environment, and Mobility Committee and the municipal energy and climate plans, which explicitly consider ground-mounted PV.

Why is Viehbachtalstraße in particular coming into focus?

Along traffic routes, installations on verges and previously contaminated areas are often considered more compatible from a planning perspective than on high-quality agricultural land. Federal and state law privileges PV along highways and multi-track railways under certain conditions; North Rhine-Westphalia has recently generally expanded the area for open-space PV. Locally, there are ongoing reconstruction and renovation measures along the L141/Viehbachtalstraße, as well as recurring tree maintenance – all factors that suggest a site-specific assessment of spatial suitability.

How does this initiative fit into Solingen’s energy and climate strategy?

Solingen is pursuing a "Climate-Neutral Solingen 2040" target concept, an Energy Policy Work Program (EPAP) including a PV potential analysis, and is expanding PV on municipal rooftops as well as through cooperative and municipal utility projects. The EPAP explicitly calls for the mapping of the city's own PV potential (based on GIS) and the development of permit-eligible sites with a preliminary potential of approximately 10 MWp. The review mandate along the "Vieh" route would thus be a continuation of existing lines.

Political context in Solingen: Who wants what?

What position do the Solingen Greens represent?

The Green Party has been pushing for accelerated PV development for years, underpinned by events with the city, municipal utilities, and community energy, as well as by its local election platform (climate neutrality by 2040, expansion of renewable energies). The new initiative aims to examine specific corridors along Viehbachtalstraße for suitability.

How do other political actors react?

Energy policy is being intensively debated in Solingen. While the coalition often emphasizes the potential of PV, the CDU recently criticized aspects of green economic policy. At the same time, it signaled a willingness to discuss master plans. This demonstrates that PV and land use issues are embedded in a larger discussion about location and transport, which also includes the "Vieh" (livestock).

Which municipal departments and companies would need to be involved?

The city's Planning/Mobility Department, environmental and nature conservation authorities, technical services, Solingen's municipal utilities (network and project expertise), possibly the SEG (area development), and Straßen.NRW (Roads NRW) as the road construction authority would all need to be involved. The existing FF-PV potential and municipal heat planning provide the data basis.

Legal framework: What permits does a solar park need?

What construction and planning law steps are necessary?

Ground-mounted PV is considered a structural installation and generally requires a building permit. A two-stage planning process is usually required: urban land-use planning (FNP amendment and development plan "Special Solar Area"), followed by a building permit. Exceptions exist for certain privileged locations (e.g., 200-meter strips along highways/multi-track railways according to Section 35, Paragraph 1, No. 8b of the Federal Building Code) or agri-PV up to certain sizes – however, the L141 is a state road, not a highway corridor. Therefore, municipal urban land-use planning would generally be required unless specific privileges apply.

How long do such procedures typically take?

The approval period for FF-PV varies, typically 6–12 months from the date of reliable development planning to the building permit. Complexity, environmental assessments, and objections can extend the process. North Rhine-Westphalia and the federal government are politically accelerating the process, but environmental and participation requirements must still be met.

Which environmental assessments are required?

Nature conservation and species protection concerns, landscape appearance, soil protection, water and drainage, impact/compensation assessment, and, if necessary, a preliminary environmental impact assessment (EIA) must be considered. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) recommends environmentally sound site management with minimum criteria for biodiversity (e.g., extensive management, flowering structures, fringe and retreat areas). The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) (newer versions and Solar Package I) contain minimum nature conservation requirements for subsidized FF-PV.

Are there any special road regulations on the L141/Viehbachtalstraße?

Roadside facilities are subject to road regulations (distances, sight triangles, traffic safety, and glare-free areas). Straßen.NRW must be involved, among other things, for glare assessments, development, temporary closures during construction and maintenance, and safety at on- and off-ramps. Existing measures on Frankfurter Damm and tree work demonstrate the traffic importance and maintenance needs of these corridors.

Funding and economic framework: Under what conditions does a project pay off?

Which EEG funding options are available?

Conventional FF-PV >1 MWp participates in BNetzA tenders. Disadvantaged agricultural areas have been open in North Rhine-Westphalia since 2022 and will be expanded nationwide by federal law in 2024. Special rules apply to smaller projects and community energy (e.g., up to 6 MW without a tender for community energy), while agri-PV, floating PV, and systems along transport routes receive special area allocations.

What state funding exists in NRW?

NRW has reopened progres.nrw for FF-PV, floating, and agri-PV; up to 20% (FF-PV) or 25% (floating/agri-PV) of the investment costs and up to 70% of planning/consulting services are eligible, particularly if no EEG subsidies are available. In 2024, the state government expanded the area available for FF-PV through the State Development Plan (LEP).

What marketing options are there as an alternative to EEG funding?

In addition to EEG feed-in, power purchase agreements (PPAs) with companies or municipal utilities are possible, possibly in combination with storage solutions. For municipal participation, citizen energy models or municipal levy models are suitable, which project developers in Germany are increasingly using to increase acceptance and local value creation.

Area and location issues: What are the geometric and spatial arguments for or against the “livestock”?

What general location criteria do municipalities set for FF-PV?

Priority is given to previously contaminated or low-quality areas: converted and brownfield sites, peripheral areas of traffic routes, landfills, technical infrastructure areas, sealed surfaces, and less productive agricultural land. Criteria include exposure, shading, distances, glare-free orientation, conservation sensitivity, power lines, listed buildings, noise protection, and visual relationships.

Is there already a FF-PV potential analysis in Solingen?

Yes. The administration prepared a GIS-based potential map in 2023, is advising interested parties, and plans to develop economically viable and permit-eligible sites from the preliminary study until commissioning (estimated at approximately 10 MWp, approximately 8,500 MWh pa). The Green Party's review mandate would specifically tailor this work to the Viehbachtalstraße corridor.

What are the special features of the Viehbachtalstraße?

The L141/Viehbachtalstraße is a four-lane urban main access route with a historically discussed northern extension (a Stage 2 project, currently unrealistic). Structural modifications are underway in the Frankfurter Damm area, highlighting the traffic impact and potential conflicts with a solar project. A solar park along this route would have to consider sight lines, safety distances, embankment stability, and maintenance paths.

How should the conflict with other land uses be assessed?
Solingen is committed to protecting and developing open spaces (e.g., the Buschfeld decision in the Regional Council). Therefore, projects along the "Vieh" must strictly avoid impairing high-quality open space functions or planned urban development areas. Coordination with regional planning and SEG projects is necessary at an early stage.

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Environmental and nature conservation: How can interventions be minimized?

Which nature conservation guidelines are relevant?

In addition to avoiding sensitive protected areas, species protection prohibitions (birds, reptiles, bats) must be examined. Minimum standards for biodiversity (structurally rich fringe zones, extensive management, mowing regimes) and the protection of migration corridors are now considered good professional practice. UBA guidelines and state recommendations provide specific action profiles.

How is glare assessed for traffic and residents?

Modern modules minimize reflections, but glare assessments are still standard, especially along heavily trafficked roads. The arrangement of module rows, tilt angles, anti-reflective glass, and shielding vegetation can further reduce risks. Straßen.NRW must assess this independently.

Which design improves landscape compatibility?

Low building heights, loosely spaced rows of hedges and staggered plantings, matching fence colors, staggered design at the edge of the room, and viewing windows avoid a monolithic impression. In topographically diverse spaces, modeled transitions and visual axes are useful.

Technology, network and construction: What is needed for implementation and operation?

What technical configuration is likely?

Typical features include ground-mounted module arrays on pile-driven profiles, DC/AC inverters (string/skid solutions), medium-voltage integration (e.g., 10–20 kV), substation and protection technology, telecontrol connections, grounding, fence and video/perimeter protection. Storage can optionally equalize grid connections and strengthen direct marketing.

How is the grid connection organized?

Early grid compatibility assessments of the distribution grid (usually municipal utilities/power grid operators) are required to select suitable transfer points, cable routing (along roads if possible), line/water crossings, and safety lane coordination. Solingen's municipal utility company has relevant experience.

What construction and logistics issues arise along the L141?

Restrictions due to traffic control, road closures, material deliveries, temporary storage areas, crane placement, and the integration of tree maintenance measures. Coordination with Straßen.NRW and TBS is essential to utilize construction time windows (e.g., holidays, weekends).

What operating and maintenance concepts are common?

Targeted vegetation management (extensive mowing, sheep) and tree care away from the module, regular inspections, thermographic surveys, cleaning regimes only when necessary, biotope enhancement through structurally rich margins and deadwood islands without conflict with traffic safety.

Participation, acceptance, value creation: How do you involve urban society?

Which participation models are suitable?

Citizen energy and municipal participation (cooperatives, municipal fees per kWh, citizen loans) have proven effective, strengthening local acceptance and ensuring financial returns. Transparent information events and visualizations increase approval.

What is Solingen’s starting position regarding community energy and funding?

Solingen has active community energy (e.g., systems on municipal roofs) and municipal funding programs (e.g., plug-in PV). These structures can be used alongside an open-space park, for example, for resident participation or educational programs.

How are conflicts dealt with constructively?

Early, dialogue-oriented participation, addressed concerns (landscape, glare, encroachment, traffic), local value creation, ecological added value (biodiversity, maintenance corridors) and possible synergies (e.g. noise-reducing planting) reduce resistance.

Timeline and procedure plan: What steps does an audit assignment include?

What exactly should an audit order for the administration contain?

A tiered testing concept is recommended:

Screening

Comparison of the Viehbachtal corridors with the city's 2023 GIS potential landscape; identification of sections with low conservation sensitivity, sufficient distance from the roadway, favorable exposure, and accessibility.

Carrier vote

Early clarification with Straßen.NRW regarding distances, glare assessment requirements, access, maintenance, cable routes, as well as with the municipal utilities regarding grid connection.

Environmental assessment

Preliminary examination of conflicts under species protection law, biotope and protected area status; establishment of minimum standards for biodiversity promotion.

Planning law

Decision as to whether privileged circumstances apply; otherwise, initiation of a FNP amendment/B-Plan "Special Area Solar" as corridor or cluster planning, coordinated with regional planning objectives.

economics

Scenario comparison of EEG tendering vs. PPA, with/without storage, use of progres.nrw planning funds and investment subsidies, consideration of municipal participation models.

acceptance

Communication and participation roadmap (information evenings, visualizations, citizen participation), review mandate for the integration of citizen energy cooperatives.

What realistic timescales should be set?

Preliminary review and participation: 3–6 months. Urban development planning with environmental assessment and participation: 9–18 months (depending on the conflict situation). Building permit and grid connection: 6–12 months. A total of 24–36 months until commissioning is realistic, even shorter for low-conflict corridors. Acceleration is possible if environmental issues are clarified and road coordination is carried out quickly.

Comparative and empirical knowledge: What do other cases show?

What lessons can be learned from projects along transport axes?

PV noise barriers and verge systems demonstrate that technical and design solutions can make glare, visual relationships, and maintenance access manageable. Privileged development schemes support projects along highways and railways; state roads generally require regular urban development planning but remain feasible.

Which lines of social conflict are typical?

Conflicts often revolve around competition for land, landscape, and biodiversity. Successful projects combine site selection along technical infrastructure lines, enhanced nature conservation, transparent participation, and local value creation. Corresponding media reports and studies underscore the importance of careful site management.

Local strategies and plans: How do they fit into Solingen's overall development?

Which Solingen strategies does the solar park fit into?

• Climate neutrality by 2040: Expansion of renewable electricity generation, especially PV on roofs and open spaces.
• Energy policy work program: FF-PV potential, consulting, and development of permit-eligible sites by 2028.
• Municipal heat planning: electricity/heat sector coupling, grid strategy, synergies with power generation and flexibility.
• Mobility and traffic concepts: Coordination with measures on the L141N, avoidance of traffic disruptions.

What role do urban actors play?

The municipal utilities (grid, project planning, heat transition), TBS (infrastructure/maintenance), SEG (area development), and the Sustainability Office are key partners. Existing funding programs and community energy experience facilitate implementation and acceptance.

Risks, limitations and alternatives: What could speak against the location?

Which risks need to be considered in particular?

• Traffic safety and glare along the L141, including access roads (Frankfurter Damm).
• Nature conservation and species protection in woodland areas and valleys.
• Planning risks due to necessary FNP/B-Plan procedures and regional planning requirements.
• Grid connection capacities and route layout.

What alternatives are available within Solingen?

Parallel assessment of other locations identified in the 2023 potential analysis with low conflict levels (brownfields, conversion areas, technical infrastructure and peripheral locations) in order to optionally prioritize if the "livestock" corridors are ruled out for transport or nature conservation reasons.

Is a solar park on Viehbachtalstraße realistic?

What overall assessment can be made?

A solar park along Viehbachtalstraße appears fundamentally feasible and potentially feasible, provided the planning requirements are met, environmental and traffic safety concerns are met, and grid connection issues are resolved. This initiative aligns with Solingen's climate objectives, the city's potential, and the expanded framework conditions in North Rhine-Westphalia. A structured review contract with a phased plan, early consultation with stakeholders, and public participation is the sensible next step.

Which success factors are crucial?

Careful site segmentation, robust environmental and glare assessments, reliable grid connection, participation models with local added value, use of progres.nrw planning funding, and, depending on the case, EEG tenders or PPAs. Coordinated scheduling with road improvements along the L141N increases feasibility and acceptance.

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