This is how much space the sun needs: How much space does a solar park need at least to be able to be operated economically? – Creative image: Xpert.Digital
How large does a solar park need to be? Minimum area and key factors at a glance.
From area to efficiency: How to plan the perfect solar park
A solar park is a large-scale photovoltaic system designed to generate electricity from solar energy and feed it into the public grid. The question of the minimum area required for the economically viable operation of a solar park depends on a variety of factors, including technical, economic, and geographical aspects. The following discussion will not only examine the minimum area but also address other important framework conditions that are crucial for the planning and operation of such systems.
Minimum area for solar parks
The minimum area required for a solar park is primarily determined by the installed capacity (measured in kilowatt peak, kWp, or megawatt peak, MWp) and the efficiency of the solar modules. Modern photovoltaic systems require an average of approximately 1.5 hectares per megawatt of installed capacity. This means that a minimum area of 1 hectare (10,000 m²) is needed to operate a system with a capacity of around 750 kWp economically. Systems smaller than this are often not profitable, as fixed costs such as grid connection and maintenance are incurred regardless of the size.
For larger projects, an area of at least 2 hectares (20,000 m²) is often considered economically viable. This size allows for a better distribution of grid connection costs and higher returns. From an area of 5 hectares (50,000 m²), operators also benefit from economies of scale, which can further increase profitability.
Space requirement per unit of power
The land area required for a solar park depends heavily on the module efficiency and the arrangement of the modules. Thanks to technological advances, the efficiency of modern solar modules has improved considerably in recent years. While older plants required up to 3.5 hectares per megawatt, the requirement today is around 1.5 hectares per megawatt. This means that an area of 10 hectares can accommodate an installed capacity of approximately 6 to 7 MW.
However, the specific land requirement varies depending on site conditions and plant type:
- Open-field installations: These installations make efficient use of large areas and often achieve a lower land requirement per megawatt.
- Agrivoltaics: Here, the land is used for both electricity generation and agricultural purposes. The land requirement per megawatt can be higher, as the modules are often installed further apart.
- Roof or facade installations: These do not require any additional floor space and are therefore particularly space-saving.
Yield and profitability
The profitability of a solar park depends largely on its electricity yield. Depending on the amount of sunshine, one hectare of solar park can generate approximately 1,000,000 kWh of electricity annually. With a feed-in tariff of, for example, 6 cents per kWh, this corresponds to an annual revenue of around 60,000 euros per hectare.
However, profitability is not only determined by the yield, but also by the investment and operating costs:
- Investment costs: These include the costs for solar modules, inverters, mounting systems, and grid connection. The costs per unit decrease with increasing system size.
- Operating costs: These include maintenance, cleaning and insurance of the facility as well as lease costs for the land.
Larger plants are often more economical than smaller projects because they can spread fixed costs such as grid connection fees over a larger electricity production. Furthermore, larger projects often benefit from lower purchase prices for components.
Site conditions
The choice of location plays a crucial role in the success of a solar park. Important factors include:
- Solar radiation: Regions with high solar radiation enable higher electricity yields and thus improve economic efficiency.
- Soil quality: Areas with low agricultural productivity or fallow land are particularly suitable for solar parks.
- Grid connection: Proximity to a substation or a suitable grid connection point significantly reduces connection costs.
- Topography: Flat or slightly sloping surfaces are ideal, as they allow for optimal alignment of the modules.
Additionally, regional funding programs or legal frameworks can influence the choice of location.
Funding and legal framework
Many countries have funding programs for renewable energies that support the construction of solar parks. In Germany, for example, operators benefit from feed-in tariffs or tendering procedures under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). Installations on brownfield sites (e.g., former industrial or military areas) and on disadvantaged agricultural land are particularly encouraged.
These subsidies can help make smaller projects economically viable. At the same time, they promote the use of land that would otherwise remain unused.
Land use conflicts and environmental aspects
An important aspect in planning a solar park is avoiding conflicts with other land uses such as agriculture or nature conservation. Therefore, the following are often preferred:
- brownfield sites
- Conversion areas
- Areas with low agricultural productivity
Another advantage of modern solar parks is their environmental compatibility. For example, extensive grassland can be created beneath the modules, providing habitat for insects and small animals. Furthermore, agrivoltaic systems can contribute to producing both energy and food on the same land.
Further reduce space requirements and explore new usage possibilities
With the ongoing expansion of renewable energies, solar parks are expected to play an even more important role in the future. Technological innovations could further reduce the land requirement and open up new possibilities for use.
- Bifacial modules: These modules utilize both direct sunlight and reflected light from the ground, which can increase the yield.
- Floating PV: Floating solar power plants on bodies of water completely avoid land use conflicts.
- Storage technologies: The integration of battery storage systems makes it possible to temporarily store excess electricity and feed it into the grid as needed.
Overall, it is evident that solar parks can not only make an important contribution to the energy transition, but are also economically attractive – provided they are carefully planned and built in suitable locations.
Economies of scale and better cost allocation options
A solar park requires at least 1 to 2 hectares of land to operate economically. Larger plants, starting at around 5 hectares, are significantly more profitable due to economies of scale and better cost-sharing opportunities. Besides the sheer size of the area, site conditions such as solar irradiance, soil quality, and proximity to the grid connection play a crucial role in a project's economic viability.
Modern technologies have significantly reduced the land area required per megawatt in recent years and offer new opportunities for efficient land use – be it through agrivoltaics or floating solar power plants. With the right concept, solar parks can not only make an important contribution to the energy transition, but also be designed in an environmentally friendly way.
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