The solar park project in Frankenblick in the district of Effelder, more precisely in the district of Blatterndorf

Frankenblick solar park: Major project in Effelder drives energy transition in Thuringia

The development of renewable energies in Germany has gained considerable importance in recent years, with photovoltaic projects playing a central role in achieving climate goals. A significant example of this development is the planned solar park project in the municipality of Frankenblick, which reflects both local conditions and national energy targets. The municipality of Frankenblick in the Sonneberg district has decided to make an important contribution to the German energy transition and is planning to build a ground-mounted photovoltaic system in its Effelder district.

Overview of the municipality of Frankenblick

The municipality of Frankenblick was formed on January 1, 2012, through the merger of the municipalities of Effelder-Rauenstein and Mengersgereuth-Hämmern and is located in the southwestern part of the Sonneberg district in the Free State of Thuringia. The municipality is strategically located in the Sonneberg hinterland and borders Bavaria to the south, thus serving as a bridge between Thuringia and Franconia. This geographical location also explains the name Frankenblick, as from here you can actually see Franconia.

The municipality comprises a total of nine districts, including Döhlau, Effelder with Blatterndorf, Grümpen, Meschenbach, Rabenäußig, Rauenstein, Rückerswind, Seltendorf, and Mengersgereuth-Hämmern with its associated districts. The municipality is home to almost 6,000 residents and is characterized by a charming low mountain landscape, characterized by parts of the Thuringian Slate Mountains, a Muschelkalk (mussel limestone) plateau, and a Bunter sandstone plateau.

The municipality's administration is based in Effelder, with a branch office in Mengersgereuth-Hämmern. The region is characterized by its historical significance as part of the Franconian-influenced area and its location on the former German-German border, where the Green Belt, home to rare bird and plant species, has now developed.

Current photovoltaic situation in Frankenblick

The municipality of Frankenblick already has a basic level of photovoltaic systems, although the existing potential is far from being fully exploited. According to available data, 35 photovoltaic systems with a total installed capacity of 440.53 kilowatts peak are in operation in Frankenblick. These systems produce approximately 274,343 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which corresponds to only 2.99 percent of the total electricity consumption of all residents.

The installed capacity per capita is currently only 0.07 kilowatts peak, which is significantly below the average for comparable municipalities. These figures illustrate the considerable potential for solar energy expansion in the region. Annual solar radiation in Frankenblick amounts to approximately 1,055.86 kilowatt hours per square meter of global radiation, providing good conditions for the economical operation of photovoltaic systems.

In Thuringia as a whole, the number of solar systems has increased significantly in recent years. By the end of 2024, around 100,000 solar systems were already in operation in the Free State, with the number increasing by approximately 30,000 within twelve months. However, the Sonneberg district, to which Frankenblick belongs, ranks last among Thuringia's districts with 2,326 systems, which underscores the particular backlog in this region.

The solar park project in Effelder

The specific solar park project in Frankenblick is concentrated in the Effelder district, more specifically in the Blatterndorf district. On April 10, 2024, the municipal council of Frankenblick passed Resolution No. 724/42/2024 to prepare the project-related development plan "Solar Park Blatterndorf" in the Effelder district in accordance with Section 2 (1) of the Federal Building Code (BauGB).

The project sponsor is Aracari Solar GmbH, based in Suhl, an established project developer for renewable energy systems in Thuringia. Aracari Solar has already gained a reputation through various projects in Germany and has comprehensive expertise in all areas of the solar park value chain, from development and financing to construction and operation and maintenance.

The planned solar park project covers a total area of ​​approximately 8.1 hectares, with potential expansion of up to 15.7 hectares, and is to be built south of the Blatterndorf district. The spatial scope includes the Blatterndorf district, parcel 0, plot 98/2. The facility is to be designated as a special area for open-space photovoltaic systems, thereby creating the planning requirements for the construction of the solar plant.

Project development and approval procedures

The development of the Frankenblick solar park project follows the usual legal procedures for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems. The resolution to prepare the project-specific development plan was published in accordance with local customary practice in accordance with Section 2, Paragraph 1, Sentence 2 of the Federal Building Code (BauGB). As part of the process, early public and official participation must be carried out in accordance with Sections 3, Paragraph 1 and 4, Paragraph 1 of the BauGB.

The project developer has fully secured financing. The costs of preparing the development plan, planning and implementing the development measures, and compensatory and replacement measures will be fully borne by Aracari Solar GmbH. The mayor has been instructed to prepare an urban development contract with the developer in accordance with Section 12 of the German Federal Building Code (BauGB), which stipulates full cost coverage.

However, the project was not without political debate. At the municipal council meeting in August 2025, a narrow majority supported the solar park project. This was partly due to a municipal council election that had taken place between the original decision in April 2024 and the continuation of the process, which had changed the composition of the council.

Technical design and environmental aspects

The planned photovoltaic system will be designed as a modern open-space PV system that meets current technical standards. Open-space photovoltaic systems offer the advantage over rooftop systems in that they can be optimally aligned to the sun and are not restricted by existing building structures. The optimal roof pitch for photovoltaic systems in Frankenblick is 33 degrees with a south-facing orientation of 0 degrees.

Environmental impacts and landscape protection are important aspects of planning. The development plan must consider various protected assets, including humans, animals and plants, soil, water, climate, landscape, and cultural and material assets. Modern solar parks are designed to be compatible with agricultural use and can even lead to ecological improvements in the land used.

With regard to pollution control, glare protection and electromagnetic radiation must be considered in particular. Modern photovoltaic systems are designed to minimize these aspects and avoid significant disruption to residents.

Economic importance for the region

The solar park project in Frankenblick brings significant economic benefits to the region. Photovoltaic projects not only create jobs during the construction phase but also generate long-term revenue for the municipality through trade tax and other levies. The construction of solar parks typically results in investments in the millions, which benefit the local economy.

Landowners can leverage attractive revenue opportunities by leasing their land for solar farms. Compared to conventional agricultural use, leasing land for photovoltaic projects can generate up to ten times higher yields, often with lease terms of up to 30 years. This offers farmers a long-term, predictable source of income.

The photovoltaics industry in Thuringia has grown significantly in importance in recent years. In 2023, 21,762 new solar systems were commissioned in the state, representing a significant increase compared to previous years. The solar power generated covers approximately 20 percent of Thuringia's total electricity consumption.

Energy policy classification

The solar park project in Frankenblick fits into Germany's overarching energy and climate policy goals. The federal government has set the goal of covering at least 80 percent of gross electricity consumption with renewable energies by 2030, with solar energy playing a key role. Specifically, 215 gigawatts of solar energy are to be installed by 2030, which represents a significant increase over the current level.

Germany already exceeded its solar energy expansion targets in 2024, reaching the target of 88 gigawatts of installed solar capacity by the end of 2024 in May. However, achieving the long-term targets by 2030 will require a further significant acceleration of expansion, which is why every single project like the one in Frankenblick makes an important contribution.

At the state level, Thuringia supports the expansion of solar energy through various measures. The Free State is increasingly focusing on the use of areas along highways for the construction of solar parks and promotes the combination of photovoltaics and agriculture. Municipalities play a key role in designating areas for photovoltaic systems and can specifically guide the expansion of renewable energies.

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Double efficiency: How solar parks support agriculture

There are various challenges to overcome when implementing solar park projects like the one in Frankenblick. A key issue is the competition for land between energy production and agricultural use. Rising lease prices for agricultural land due to demand for photovoltaic projects can lead to conflicts.

One innovative solution is agri-photovoltaics, which combines agricultural production and electricity generation on the same area. With agri-PV systems, electricity generation requires a maximum of 15 percent of the agricultural land, leaving at least 85 percent for agricultural use. This technology enables efficient dual use and significantly reduces competition for land.

Grid expansion and integration pose further technical challenges. The generated solar energy must be efficiently fed into the power grid and transported, which requires appropriate grid infrastructure. The responsible grid operator for Frankenblick is TEN Thüringer Energienetze GmbH, and the transmission system operator is 50Hertz Transmission GmbH.

Bureaucratic aspects and simplifications

The expansion of solar energy is being driven forward by various legal simplifications. The federal government's solar package includes comprehensive measures to accelerate approval procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Areas within a 200-meter corridor of highways or railway lines are particularly privileged, as a simplified development procedure is sufficient.

The integration of open-space PV into the Thuringian landscape requires careful planning to ensure nature conservation and tourist appeal. Modern planning concepts consider these aspects from the outset and develop solutions that meet both energy management and landscape planning requirements.

The approval procedures for photovoltaic projects have been significantly simplified in recent years. The abolition of VAT on photovoltaic systems since January 2023 has created additional economic incentives. This measure applies to both the systems themselves and battery storage systems, making solar energy projects significantly more economical.

Technological developments and future prospects

Photovoltaic technology has made significant progress in recent years, which has a positive impact on the economic viability of projects like the Frankenblick solar park. Modern solar modules achieve significantly higher efficiencies than previous generations and, at the same time, have longer service lives. This leads to better yield prospects and improved economic efficiency over their entire operating life.

Storage technology is evolving in parallel with photovoltaics, making the integration of battery storage into solar park projects increasingly attractive. Such storage systems can improve grid stability and optimize the utilization of generated solar power. Aracari Solar GmbH has already announced its intention to develop high-quality solar power plants with new concepts such as energy storage.

Digitalization is playing an increasingly important role in the monitoring and optimization of solar parks. Modern systems are equipped with comprehensive monitoring systems that enable continuous monitoring of system performance and provide early warning of potential problems. This helps maximize yields and minimize operating costs.

Funding and financing

Today, solar farm projects are largely financed through market-based models, as photovoltaics are now one of the most cost-effective forms of electricity generation. The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) continues to offer a feed-in tariff of up to 8.2 cents per kilowatt hour for smaller systems, while larger projects are increasingly financed through direct electricity marketing or long-term power purchase agreements.

With its "Renewable Energies 270" program, the KfW Banking Group offers low-interest loans for photovoltaic systems and battery storage systems. These subsidized loans have terms of between five and 30 years, with the effective annual interest rate depending on the fixed-rate period and the applicant's creditworthiness.

The former Thuringian state funding program "SolarInvest" expired on December 31, 2022. However, the Thuringian Ministry of the Environment is considering relaunching the funding program with a different focus, with the future focus being on supporting photovoltaic systems on building facades.

Regional added value and jobs

Solar park projects like the one in Frankenblick contribute significantly to regional value creation. During the planning and construction phases, local companies from various industries, from civil engineering firms to electrical installers and engineering firms, are contracted. These contracts strengthen the local economic structure and create jobs in the region.

Even during the operational phase, which typically lasts 20 to 30 years, permanent jobs are created for maintenance, monitoring, and management of the plants. While modern solar parks require fewer personnel than conventional power plants, they still create skilled jobs in the region.

The business tax revenues from solar park projects can represent an important additional source of income for communities like Frankenblick. These revenues can be invested in local infrastructure projects, educational institutions, or other charitable causes, thus benefiting all citizens.

Environmental and climate protection aspects

Solar parks make a direct contribution to climate protection by generating CO2-free electricity. A typical photovoltaic system amortizes the CO2 emissions generated during production after about two years of operation and then produces completely climate-neutral electricity for the remaining operating life of at least 20 years.

In addition to the direct climate protection effect, solar parks can also have positive effects on local biodiversity. Near-natural habitats can develop between and beneath the rows of modules, providing refuge for various animal and plant species. This is particularly relevant in intensively agricultural areas, where such refuges are often lacking.

Extensive grazing of solar farms with sheep or other animals is a proven practice that allows for both maintenance of the facilities and agricultural use. This form of dual use will also be considered for the Frankenblick project.

Citizen participation and acceptance

Public acceptance of solar park projects is generally high, as the benefits of solar energy are widely recognized. Nevertheless, transparent communication and public participation are important for project success. The expansion of renewable energies is supported by 81 percent of Germans, with regional value creation playing an important role in local acceptance.

Thuringia has already developed a system with the "Fair Wind Energy in Thuringia" seal that enables transparency and financial participation for municipalities and citizens. Similar approaches can also be applied to solar park projects to strengthen local acceptance and offer fair participation opportunities for all stakeholders.

The Thuringian State Parliament's Wind Energy Participation Act, passed in June 2024, guarantees municipalities financial benefits from renewable energy systems. For wind turbines, communities within a 2.5-kilometer radius receive 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour generated. Similar models could also be developed for solar parks in the future.

Integration into the energy infrastructure

The integration of the Frankenblick solar park into the existing energy infrastructure requires careful planning of the grid connection. The generated energy must be efficiently fed into the power grid and transported to consumers. This may require investments in the local grid infrastructure, which are, however, part of the overall planning.

Decentralized solar power generation contributes to security of supply and reduces dependence on centralized power plants and long transmission lines. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas like Frankenblick, where decentralized energy generation can strengthen local security of supply.

Smart grid technologies enable the optimized integration of solar power into the energy system. These intelligent grids can automatically balance supply and demand, taking fluctuating solar power production into account. The development of such technologies is being driven forward by projects like the Frankenblick solar park.

Future developments

The Frankenblick solar park project is part of a larger development that has spread throughout Germany. The expansion of solar energy will need to be further accelerated in the coming years to achieve the 2030 climate targets. Germany needs to expand from the currently installed approximately 90 gigawatts to 215 gigawatts by 2030, which will require a significant effort.

Technological developments will continue to lead to more efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic systems. New materials, improved manufacturing processes, and innovative system concepts will further improve the economic viability of solar parks. This also makes smaller projects like the one in Frankenblick increasingly attractive.

The combination of various renewable energy technologies will become increasingly important in the future. Hybrid solutions that combine photovoltaics with wind energy or energy storage can enable a more stable and efficient energy supply. Such innovative approaches could also be used in future expansions of the Frankenblick project.

The European and international interconnection of energy systems will further increase the importance of local projects like the Frankenblick solar park. Within the framework of the European Green Deal and similar international initiatives, decentralized energy projects will play an important role in achieving global climate goals.

The solar park project in the municipality of Frankenblick is a prime example of the comprehensive transformation of the German energy system toward renewable energies. It demonstrates how local initiatives, supported by experienced project developers and a favorable political framework, can make an important contribution to the national energy transition. At the same time, it highlights the opportunities that the energy transition presents for rural communities, both economically and ecologically.

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