Controversy surrounding the planned solar park in Rossach: Between energy transition and citizen resistance – Creative image: Xpert.Digital
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The planned solar park near Rossach in the municipality of Schöntal has become one of the most controversial energy projects in Baden-Württemberg. While the municipality gave the green light for the project back in January 2024, resistance is growing among the local population, extending far beyond local concerns.
The project in detail
EnBW Solar GmbH plans to build a ground-mounted photovoltaic plant on a 42-hectare site east of Rossach. The sheer scale of the project only becomes clear when compared to its size: it is roughly equivalent to 62 football fields and would thus be the largest solar park in the Hohenlohe district. The solar modules will be up to 4.5 meters high and positioned on the north-facing slope to ensure optimal sun exposure.
With a planned annual production of approximately 54 million kilowatt-hours, the plant could theoretically supply 19,000 households with renewable electricity. This energy generation would save around 37,000 tons of CO₂ annually, making a significant contribution to climate protection. The investment for the project amounts to several tens of millions of euros.
The actors and their interests
The project gains particular significance through the involvement of Götz Freiherr von Berlichingen, a direct descendant of the legendary knight with the iron hand. As landowner and co-initiator of the project, he is at the center of the controversy. Berlichingen emphasizes that, as a long-time resident of Rossach, he wants to maintain good relations with the local citizens and work together to find solutions.
The municipality of Schöntal, under Mayor Joachim Scholz, sees the project not only as a contribution to the energy transition, but also as an important source of revenue. Annual municipal taxes of approximately €120,000 are expected, resulting from business tax and a levy of 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. These revenues would help stabilize the municipal budget.
The emergence of citizen resistance
Resistance to the project only formed relatively late, even though the plans had been publicly discussed since January 2024. Silke Hildebrandt, who initiated a petition against the solar park, states that she only learned about the project at a public meeting in December 2024. This raises questions about the municipality's communication strategy.
By the end of August 2025, the project's opponents had collected 35 signatures and 17 statements, including one from a commissioned law firm. These documents were sent to all members of the municipal council and reflect the concerns of the local population.
Criticisms from project opponents
Criticism of the Rossach solar park is multifaceted. A central accusation concerns the alleged conversion of good arable land. Opponents argue that high-quality agricultural land should not be used for photovoltaic systems. In fact, however, the soils have been identified as clayey limestone soil, which is difficult to cultivate and yields below-average crops.
The proximity of the planned solar park to the historic cemetery of the noble von Berlichingen family is being discussed with particular emotion. The facility is slated to be built only 30 meters from the cemetery, where the ancestors of the famous knight are buried. Many citizens consider this a taboo violation and an outrage.
Another point of contention is the anticipated impact on the landscape and tourism. The region is characterized by the picturesque hilly landscape surrounding Schöntal Monastery, which is familiar to many from CDU (Christian Democratic Union) retreats. The famous Way of St. James and other pilgrimage routes pass directly by the planned solar power plant. Critics fear that hikers and pilgrims will have to walk past fences and steel girders in the future, which could diminish the region's appeal to tourists.
The tabloid press's use of terms like "solar wall" and "tourism killer" intensifies the emotional charge of the debate. Critics point out that the solar panels will be taller than the Berlin Wall and that hardly anything will remain of the idyllic landscape.
Regional planning context
The project is part of a broader strategy by the municipality of Schöntal to contribute to the energy transition. Since wind power is not possible due to a low-flying zone for helicopters, the municipality is increasingly focusing on solar energy. Several solar parks have already been approved in recent years or are currently in the planning stages.
What's interesting is the scale of the expansion: Baden-Württemberg has set a target of using 0.2 percent of its land area for photovoltaics. For Schöntal, this would theoretically mean about 16 hectares. However, more than 100 hectares have already been approved, which is six times the target. This shows that the municipality has significantly exceeded its climate goals.
The Rossach solar park is part of a series of projects: In addition to the 42-hectare plant near Rossach, another park covering 36 hectares is planned near Aschhausen. A further 20-hectare project near Berlichingen is also under discussion.
Economic aspects
The economic conditions for ground-mounted photovoltaics have improved significantly in recent years. Solar parks now achieve the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of all energy sources, making them an economically attractive form of energy production. This explains the strong interest from investors like EnBW.
For landowners, solar parks represent a long-term and stable source of income. Lease prices are significantly higher than what farmers can pay for arable land, leading to competition for land use. This is a nationwide phenomenon in Germany, creating tension between renewable energy and agriculture.
The municipality also benefits considerably: In addition to the trade tax, it receives an additional levy of 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. With the planned annual production of 54 million kilowatt-hours, this results in annual revenues of €108,000 from this levy alone.
Environmental and nature conservation aspects
A frequently overlooked aspect of the debate is the positive environmental impact of solar parks. Studies show that ground-mounted photovoltaic systems often lead to an increase in biodiversity. The permanent absence of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the extensive maintenance of the grassland between the rows of modules, creates habitats for various species.
Contrary to popular belief, solar parks do not seal the ground. The modules are mounted on frames, allowing rainwater to continue seeping into the ground and maintaining gas exchange between the soil and air. After the end of their operational life, the land can easily be returned to agricultural use, often even with improved soil properties.
The CO₂ balance of photovoltaic systems is clearly positive: After about a year, the modules have produced as much energy as was required for their manufacture. Over their entire lifespan of at least 30 years, solar power causes approximately 40 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour, while lignite-fired power causes around 1,000 grams.
Legal framework
The legal framework for ground-mounted photovoltaics has continuously evolved in recent years. The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) regulates feed-in tariffs and defines eligible areas. Since the introduction of the first solar package in spring 2024, disadvantaged agricultural areas nationwide have been approved for solar parks.
Baden-Württemberg has defined ambitious goals with its climate protection law: By 2025, areas covering at least 0.2 percent of the respective region's area are to be designated for ground-mounted photovoltaics in the regional plans. The overarching goal is net greenhouse gas neutrality by 2040.
The development plan for the Rossach solar park is currently undergoing the standard procedure under the Federal Building Code. The public consultation took place in March 2025, and the amendment to the land-use plan was made public in July 2025. Legally, the hurdles for the project are relatively low, as it is a privileged use in a rural area.
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Similar conflicts in Germany
The Rossach case is not an isolated incident, but reflects a nationwide trend in Germany. In many regions, the expansion of renewable energies is failing due to local citizen resistance. Referendums are increasingly halting wind turbines and solar parks, with nature and landscape conservation often at the heart of the criticism.
Examples from other German states show similar patterns: In Kriebstein, Saxony, a citizens' referendum prevented a 30-hectare solar park, with 698 citizens voting against the project. In Breckerfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, the city council halted a ground-mounted solar park covering more than twelve hectares.
Interestingly, societal acceptance of renewable energies is very high. According to the Social Sustainability Barometer for the Energy and Transport Transition, approval for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems was over 67 percent in 2023. At the same time, local opposition is significantly higher: 12.9 percent of respondents rejected the construction of a system in their residential area in 2023.
Strategies for conflict reduction
Successful solar park projects are often characterized by early and comprehensive citizen participation. Models of financial participation, such as those practiced by energy cooperatives, can significantly increase acceptance. When profits remain in the region and citizens are directly involved, resistance decreases noticeably.
In the Rossach case, adjustments have already been made to the original plans. For example, EnBW decided against a central inverter to reduce noise pollution, even though it would have met the requirements. Such compromises demonstrate that the project developers are indeed willing to address residents' concerns.
Another important aspect is the communication strategy. Projects that are communicated transparently from the outset and in which all stakeholders are involved early on have a significantly better chance of success. The late awareness of the Rossach project by some members of the public points to shortcomings in communication.
Technological innovation and future prospects
Photovoltaic technology is developing rapidly, opening up new possibilities for integrating solar parks into the landscape. Agri-photovoltaics enables the dual use of land for agriculture and energy production. Higher-mounted modules can allow for agricultural use beneath the panels.
Floating photovoltaics on bodies of water or the use of brownfield sites such as former landfills offer alternatives to agricultural land. Baden-Württemberg has identified approximately 175 landfill sites across the state, 81 of which are suitable for photovoltaics. Such alternatives could reduce land-use conflicts.
The efficiency of the modules is constantly increasing, which reduces the land requirement per megawatt of installed capacity. Modern systems now only require 0.7 to 1 hectare per megawatt. This means that future projects will require less land for the same output.
Societal dimension of the energy transition
The conflict surrounding the Rossach solar park illustrates the societal challenges of the energy transition. While there is consensus at the national and international levels on the necessity of expanding renewable energies, resistance often arises at the local level. This phenomenon is referred to in the literature as "Not in my backyard" (NIMBY).
The energy transition, however, cannot be achieved without local projects. Germany must more than triple its photovoltaic capacity by 2030 to meet its climate targets. Ground-mounted systems are essential, as rooftop potential alone is insufficient. According to calculations by the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), approximately one percent of agricultural land would need to be converted for photovoltaic use.
This transformation requires societal negotiation processes at all levels. Municipalities are at the heart of these events, as they are responsible for urban planning and must mediate between different interests. The Rossach case exemplifies how complex these processes can be.
Economic impact on the region
Beyond the direct revenue generated for the municipality, solar parks can have positive economic effects for the entire region. During the construction phase, contracts are created for local companies, from earthmoving to electrical installation. EnBW, as a major regional energy supplier, often involves local partners in this process.
In the long term, regions with abundant renewable energy sources can position themselves as attractive locations for energy-intensive industries. Favorable and predictable electricity costs will become a key location factor, particularly for the transformation of energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals or metal processing.
On the other hand, critics fear negative impacts on tourism. The Tauber Valley and the region around Schöntal Monastery also rely on sustainable tourism, including cyclists and pilgrims. This concern is understandable, even though scientific studies on the tourism impact of solar parks are still lacking.
Further developments
The zoning plan process for the Rossach solar park is in its decisive phase. Following the public consultation period, the submitted comments must be evaluated. The municipal council is expected to make the final decision at the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026.
Despite local opposition, the project's prospects for success are relatively good. The legal framework is favorable, and the municipality has repeatedly signaled its support. The crucial factor will be whether compromises can be found that address the legitimate concerns of the residents.
Regardless of the outcome, the Rossach case will serve as an example of how the local implementation of the energy transition can generate social tensions. The lessons learned from this project will be of great importance for future endeavors.
The discussion also shows that the energy transition is more than just a technical challenge. It requires societal dialogue, a willingness to compromise from all stakeholders, and innovative solutions. The transformation of the energy system can only succeed if the legitimate concerns of local people are taken seriously while simultaneously keeping the overarching climate goals in sight.
The Rossach solar park thus exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition in the 21st century. Its further development will be closely monitored and could serve as a model for similar projects throughout Germany.
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