35 million Euro solar park Wiesa in the Ore Mountains on 66 hectares (federal road B95) with 100,000 modules planned

Major solar project in the Ore Mountains: Citizen participation decides on 35 million euro project

The municipality of Thermalbad Wiesenbad is launching a comprehensive public participation process for a planned solar park between Wiesa and Annaberg-Buchholz. The €35 million project by the company Solarsan will cover an area of ​​66 hectares and comprise more than 100,000 solar modules, making it one of the largest photovoltaic projects in the Ore Mountains. Residents of all districts will have the opportunity to learn about the project and express their opinions at four meetings.

The solar park project in detail

The company Solarsan plans to build a large-scale photovoltaic plant on a 66-hectare site near the B95 federal highway. The plant will comprise over 100,000 solar modules and generate a significant amount of electricity, enough to power several thousand households. The investment volume of 35 million euros underscores the scale of this project for the region.

The planned site is located in the southeastern part of the Wiesa district and encompasses several parcels of land in the Wiesa and Annaberg cadastral districts. Its strategic location near the B95 highway offers excellent conditions for network connectivity and infrastructure. The project was approved at the municipal council meeting on May 28, 2024, and the preliminary draft of the project-specific development plan was approved on October 1, 2024.

Legal framework and approval procedures

The realization of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems of this size requires a multi-stage approval and planning process. First, a municipal development plan must be drawn up in accordance with the Federal Building Code, designating the area as a special zone for solar energy use. This is followed by the building permit process under the Saxon Building Code at the responsible building permit authority.

The entire process can take between six and twelve months and includes extensive assessments of environmental impact, nature conservation, and other public interests. The project-specific development plan is drawn up in a two-stage process with an environmental report, which ensures a thorough evaluation of all impacts.

Citizen participation as a central component

The municipality of Thermalbad Wiesenbad is committed to comprehensive citizen participation to promote acceptance of the project and address residents' concerns. Four information events in all districts will ensure that everyone interested can learn about the project and express their opinion. The series begins with an event in Schönfeld, followed by further dates in the other districts.

Public participation in solar projects has proven to be a key success factor, as it increases transparency and reduces potential reservations. Early involvement of the population allows concerns to be addressed and solutions to be found that meet both economic and social requirements.

Economic benefits for the community

Solar park projects offer municipalities various economic advantages. Through the new Saxon Renewable Energy Profit Sharing Act, which came into force on June 29, 2024, municipalities receive a legally binding share of the revenues from ground-mounted photovoltaic systems. For systems with a capacity of one megawatt or more, operators pay at least 0.1 cents per kilowatt-hour generated to the host municipality.

For a project of this scale, the annual revenues for the Wiesenbad thermal baths can amount to a considerable sum. These funds can be used for municipal tasks such as infrastructure, schools, clubs, or other public facilities. In addition, business tax revenues flow into the municipal coffers.

Energy transition and climate protection in the Ore Mountains

The planned solar park is part of Saxony's broader efforts to increase the share of renewable energies. The Free State's energy and climate program aims to raise the share of renewable energies in gross electricity consumption to 65 percent by 2030. Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems play an important role in this, complementing rooftop installations and other renewable energy sources.

The Erzgebirge district has already gained experience with larger solar projects. For example, a solar park with a capacity of 5.4 megawatts and over 22,000 modules was commissioned in Scheibenberg in 2012. These projects have demonstrated that solar parks are technically feasible and can contribute to the regional energy supply.

Challenges and concerns

Besides the advantages, there are also critical voices regarding the project. Concerns concern the impact on the landscape, tourism, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ore Mountains mining region. Critics argue that large solar parks could negatively affect the appearance of the traditional Ore Mountains landscape.

Further points of discussion include the long-term impact on the agricultural use of the land and what will happen to the plant after the end of its planned operating period of approximately 30 years. Binding decommissioning agreements are important here to ensure that the land can be returned to its original use after operations cease.

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Successful examples from the region

Positive experiences with citizen participation in solar projects already exist in other parts of Saxony. The Tannenhübel community solar park, run by the energy cooperative Neue Energien Ostsachsen, demonstrates how such projects can be successfully implemented. There, over 40 people aged 2 to 73 participated and raised a total of €252,500.

RWE has also demonstrated with the Schönau solar park in Wildenfels how municipalities and citizens can benefit from solar projects. The town receives a climate bonus of 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour generated, which translates into additional revenue of around €42,000 per year. In addition, a DKB citizen savings bond was offered, providing a savings opportunity to over 50 interested individuals.

Financing options and participation

There are various models for financing solar projects. Regional financial institutions such as the Erzgebirgssparkasse offer special financing solutions for renewable energies. These include both investment loans for companies and modernization loans for private households that want to install their own solar systems.

Citizen participation models can take various forms, from cooperative shares and crowdfunding to direct investments. These models allow residents to participate financially in the project and benefit from its returns. At the same time, they strengthen acceptance of and a sense of shared responsibility for the project.

Technical aspects and innovation

Modern solar parks utilize highly efficient technologies to maximize electricity yield. Bifacial modules, which can harness both direct sunlight and reflected light from the back, significantly increase energy production. Such innovative approaches could also be employed in the planned Wiesa solar park.

The combination of optimal south-facing orientation and modern tracking systems that allow the modules to follow the sun can further increase electricity production. Additionally, battery storage systems can be integrated to improve grid stability and make energy available even when the sun isn't shining.

Environmental impacts and nature conservation

Extensive environmental impact assessments are required when planning solar parks. The environmental report, which is part of the zoning plan process, examines the effects on flora, fauna, and the landscape. Often, positive effects on biodiversity can even be achieved through appropriate design, for example, by planting wildflower strips between the rows of modules.

Solar parks can also be combined with extensive grazing, creating a dual use of the land. This so-called agri-photovoltaics makes it possible to generate electricity while continuing agricultural activities. Such innovative concepts are already being successfully implemented in other parts of Saxony.

Regional value creation and jobs

Solar park projects not only create jobs during the construction phase, but also generate long-term regional added value. Local companies can be involved in the planning, construction, and maintenance of the plant. This strengthens the regional economy and ensures that a portion of the investment remains in the region.

Maintaining and operating a solar park of this size requires skilled professionals, which can create additional permanent jobs. Services such as cleaning, security, and administrative tasks also provide employment opportunities for the local population.

Grid integration and energy infrastructure

Integrating a large solar park into the existing power grid requires careful planning and potentially investments in the grid infrastructure. The proximity to the B95 highway and the existing power line routes in the region offer good conditions for an efficient grid connection.

Smart grid solutions and storage technologies can help balance fluctuating solar power production and ensure grid stability. This is particularly important as the share of renewable energies in the electricity grid continues to increase.

Transparency and communication

The municipality of Thermalbad Wiesenbad is committed to transparency and open communication to gain the trust of its citizens. The public display of the planning documents from November 6th to December 6th, 2024, allows all interested parties to learn about the project in detail and to submit comments.

This transparent approach is crucial for the project's success. Only when citizens are fully informed and their concerns are taken seriously can the necessary acceptance for a project of this scale be achieved.

Transparency and participation: This is how the Wiesa solar park could be built

The next steps depend largely on the results of the public participation process. After the information sessions and the public consultation period, all submitted comments will be carefully reviewed and considered. The municipal council will then decide on the further course of action.

Should the project receive approval, construction could begin within the next few years. Its realization would make a significant contribution to the energy transition in Saxony and position Thermalbad Wiesenbad as a pioneer in the use of renewable energies in the Ore Mountains.

The decision regarding the Wiesa solar park will be groundbreaking for the further development of renewable energies in the region. It demonstrates the importance of citizen involvement in large infrastructure projects and how transparent communication and fair participation can successfully shape the energy transition locally.

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