Large solar park project in Haldensleben for 18,000 households (55-60 megawatts): A guide for the regional energy transition

### Millions in funding for the city's coffers? This massive solar park could change everything ### Earn money with the sun: How you can benefit from the new 50-million-euro project in Haldensleben ### Giant solar park divides opinions: Now it's up to the residents of Haldensleben ### A signal-setting project: How Haldensleben wants to become a model for the energy transition ###

Green energy for 18,000 households: A new German solar park is being built on this huge area

The city of Haldensleben is facing a crucial decision that could have far-reaching implications for the local energy supply and economy. The Bavarian company MaxSolar plans to build another solar park on an area of over 62 hectares near Bülstringer Straße in the northwest of the city. With an investment volume of between 40 and 50 million euros, this project represents a significant step toward a sustainable energy supply.

Project planning and its dimensions

The planned project includes the installation of photovoltaic systems and the construction of a transformer substation on an area of approximately 62 hectares between the town limits and the Bülstringer Bridge. The enormous investment costs of up to 50 million euros reflect the technical complexity and economic potential of the project. MaxSolar, an established company from Traunstein with many years of experience in the development and operation of open-space solar parks, brings extensive expertise to the project.

The timeline envisages that, if the city council approves the project at the end of September, construction could begin as early as 2026. This relatively short period between planning and implementation is typical for photovoltaic projects, which have significantly shorter implementation times than other large-scale construction projects.

Citizen participation and democratic process

A unique aspect of the Haldensleben solar park project is the comprehensive involvement of the public in the decision-making process. In accordance with the city of Haldensleben's current solar policy, a public survey will be conducted, including all registered residents within a 1,700-meter radius of the project. Approximately 3,300 residents will thus have the opportunity to vote on the project.

The public participation process is transparent and well-structured. Following a public information event on August 12, 2025, at the Kulturfabrik, where the company presented the project and discussed it with the public, all affected residents will receive written documents with a ballot and return envelope starting August 4, 2025. Ballots must be received at City Hall by September 2, and the public count is scheduled for September 8, 2025.

Although the vote is not legally binding, it will be considered by the city council. This form of citizen participation demonstrates how important public acceptance of the project is to the municipality. In the past, such citizen surveys have already influenced other solar park projects in Haldensleben, such as the downsizing of the planned photovoltaic systems near the Satuelle district due to residents' concerns.

Economic impacts for the municipality

The financial benefits for the city of Haldensleben are diverse and long-term. City spokesperson Lutz Zimmermann emphasized that the company's trade tax and additional payments under the Renewable Energy Sources Act will generate significant amounts of revenue for the city's coffers. These revenues can be used to finance municipal projects for which no budget funds were previously available.

Under the current Renewable Energy Sources Act, operators of solar parks have the option of sharing their revenue with municipalities. Specifically, up to 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour generated can be paid to the host municipality. With an average annual electricity yield of approximately 1,000,000 kilowatt-hours per hectare, this would generate significant annual revenue for the municipality for a 62-hectare solar park.

Trade tax represents another important source of revenue. However, it should be noted that trade tax payments only become due when the company generates profits. Since new solar park projects must initially repay large loans, it can take several years before profits actually arise and trade tax becomes due. However, due to an amendment to the Fund Location Act in 2021, host municipalities now receive 90 percent of the trade tax, which significantly strengthens their position.

Energy supply and technical integration

According to project manager Felix Kandsorra, the solar power generated in Haldensleben will be fed into the local grid, among other things. However, the impact on local electricity prices has not yet been fully clarified. MaxSolar is an experienced player in the solar industry and has already successfully implemented several large-scale projects, such as the 125-megawatt solar park in Bundorf, Bavaria, which is considered the largest solar park in northern Bavaria.

A 62-hectare solar farm can expect an installed capacity of approximately 55 to 60 megawatts, based on a typical land efficiency of approximately 0.9 megawatts per hectare. This would be sufficient to supply electricity to approximately 15,000 to 18,000 four-person households.

The technical integration of the solar park into the existing grid infrastructure will be achieved via the planned substation. MaxSolar has extensive experience in connecting large-scale projects to the grid and works closely with local grid operators.

Participation opportunities for citizens and local actors

Project manager Felix Kandsorra has already proposed various participation models for citizens and the city. For example, the city could purchase parts of the solar park, or citizens could establish an energy cooperative to share in the annual revenue. This form of citizen participation follows successful models that MaxSolar has already implemented in other projects.

An outstanding example is the Bundorf Energy Village, where 30 percent of the 125-megawatt solar park is reserved for citizen participation. The local energy cooperative, EGIS, allows citizens, municipalities, associations, and companies to purchase cooperative shares worth €150 plus a €5 premium. Purchases are limited to 4,300 shares per member, corresponding to a total of €645,000.

Such participation models have several advantages: They increase local acceptance of the project, create direct financial participation for citizens in the energy transition, and strengthen regional value creation. They offer investors attractive returns of between five and eight percent while simultaneously contributing to financing the energy transition.

New: Patent from the USA – Install solar parks up to 30% cheaper and 40% faster and easier – with explanatory videos! – Image: Xpert.Digital

At the heart of this technological advancement is the deliberate departure from conventional clamp fastening, which has been the standard for decades. The new, more time- and cost-effective mounting system addresses this with a fundamentally different, more intelligent concept. Instead of clamping the modules at specific points, they are inserted into a continuous, specially shaped support rail and held securely. This design ensures that all forces occurring – be they static loads from snow or dynamic loads from wind – are evenly distributed across the entire length of the module frame.

More about it here:

• Clicking instead of screwing: This ingenious system builds solar parks 40% faster and revolutionizes the energy transition

Environmental and nature conservation aspects

The discussion surrounding the planned solar park in Haldensleben also highlights the diverse perspectives on environmental and nature conservation issues. While some residents and conservationists have expressed concerns and fear that the landscape will be "paved over," supporters emphasize the need for renewable energy for the future.

With proper planning, modern solar parks can have a positive impact on biodiversity. Especially on previously intensively farmed agricultural land, extensive maintenance can improve the ecological condition. MaxSolar focuses on ecological sustainability in its projects, including measures to promote biodiversity and the avoidance of fertilizers and pesticides.

With its solar guidelines, the city of Haldensleben has already created a framework that promotes the expansion of renewable energies while also taking environmental and nature conservation concerns into account. The guidelines define suitable areas for solar energy and those that must be kept free of open-space solar systems.

Regional energy transition and climate protection

The solar park project fits into the city of Haldensleben's comprehensive efforts to protect the climate and ensure a sustainable energy supply. The city has had a climate protection plan since 2019 and received follow-up funding to implement climate protection measures for the period from 2022 to 2025. A municipal heating plan is currently being developed that will outline how Haldensleben can become climate-neutral by 2045 at the latest.

Haldensleben's municipal utilities are already actively promoting renewable energy and electromobility. They operate 17 charging stations and offer their own car-sharing program, making them a pioneer in Saxony-Anhalt. Projects such as the tenant electricity project for 150 apartments on Köhlerstraße demonstrate their commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Saxony-Anhalt is a leader in Germany's expansion of renewable energies. In 2022, the share of renewable energies in electricity generation was already 60.1 percent, significantly above the national average. With more than 105,000 installed photovoltaic systems and a total capacity of 4,728 megawatts, the state ranks sixth nationwide.

The Börde district, where Haldensleben is located, already has the most wind turbines in Saxony-Anhalt, making it a key player in the provision of renewable energy. The planned solar park project would further strengthen this position and make a significant contribution to achieving expansion targets.

Financing and economic framework conditions

The financing of solar park projects has become significantly more professional in recent years. MaxSolar was able to arrange project financing of approximately €104 million for two other projects in Bavaria, underscoring the company's financing expertise. The financing was arranged jointly with renowned partners such as DAL Deutsche Anlagen-Leasing and various savings banks.

A key component of modern solar park financing is long-term power purchase agreements. These secure stable revenues over a specified period and enable low-risk electricity marketing. The specific marketing structures for the Haldensleben project are not yet known, but MaxSolar has extensive experience in this area.

The profitability of solar parks has continuously increased due to lower technology costs and simultaneously increasing efficiency. Average annual returns of between five and eight percent are realistic; with optimal site selection and an efficient marketing strategy, returns of up to ten percent are even possible. One hectare of solar park can produce approximately 1,000,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, generating approximately €60,000 in revenue.

Technological developments and innovations

MaxSolar relies on state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions. For example, the company is working on the first grid-friendly storage system for Bayernwerk, a 5-megawatt battery storage system with a capacity of 25 megawatt hours. Such storage solutions could also be relevant for the Haldensleben project to optimize integration into the local power grid.

Today, ground-mounted photovoltaic systems are installed using state-of-the-art mounting systems that enable optimal orientation to maximize energy yield. Robust steel or aluminum frames are precisely anchored in the ground or mounted on concrete blocks, with the tilt angle of the modules adjusted for maximum energy generation.

Social acceptance and communication

The social acceptance of solar parks depends largely on transparent communication and fair participation. MaxSolar has created a dedicated information page for the Haldensleben project, which can be found at www.maxsolar.com/leistungen/projektentwicklung/solarpark-haldensleben. This transparent communication strategy is crucial to the project's success.

The public information event was organized as an information market with several themed tables where information was provided on various aspects of the project. This interactive approach allows citizens to ask specific questions and gain comprehensive information.

Experience from other projects shows that early and comprehensive public information is crucial for acceptance. This should clearly highlight not only the technical aspects but also the economic benefits for the community. The applicable trade tax and the participation opportunities under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) are key arguments in this regard.

Outlook and significance for the energy transition

The planned solar park project in Haldensleben is a prime example of the decentralized energy transition in Germany. If realized, it will make an important contribution to achieving national climate goals while simultaneously strengthening the local economy. With a planned capacity of approximately 55 to 60 megawatts, the park would contribute significantly to the regional electricity supply.

The combination of economic benefits for the municipality, opportunities for citizen participation, and the contribution to climate protection makes the project a model for other communities. The careful planning with extensive citizen participation demonstrates how energy transition projects can be successfully implemented.

Saxony-Anhalt aims to achieve a 100 percent share of renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2050, with an interim target of 45 percent by 2030. The Haldensleben project would represent an important building block in achieving these ambitious goals.

The decision of Haldensleben's citizens and city council will show whether the municipality is ready to take this important step toward a sustainable energy future. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, the project has already sparked important discussions about the local energy transition and could serve as a model for other municipalities.

New: Assemble-ready Solar systems! This patented innovation accelerates your solar construction massively

The heart of ModuRack's innovation is its departure from conventional clamp fastening. Instead of clamps, the modules are inserted and held in place by a continuous support rail.

More about it here:

• New: Assemble-ready Solar systems! This patented innovation accelerates your solar construction massively

From industrial roof PV to solar parks to larger solar parking spaces

☑️ Our business language is English or German

☑️ NEW: Correspondence in your national language!

Konrad Wolfenstein

I would be happy to serve you and my team as a personal advisor.

You can contact me by filling out the contact form or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) . My email address is: wolfenstein ∂ xpert.digital

I'm looking forward to our joint project.

☑️ EPC services (engineering, procurement and construction)

☑️ Turnkey project development: Development of solar energy projects from start to finish

☑️ Location analysis, system design, installation, commissioning as well as maintenance and support

☑️ Project financier or placement of investors