Ground-Mounted Photovoltaics in Bavaria: Opportunities and Challenges for Farmers

Ground-mounted photovoltaics in Bavaria uses open spaces to generate electricity from solar energy. What are the requirements, how do approval processes work, and what economic aspects need to be considered? This article provides a comprehensive overview of ground-mounted photovoltaics in Bavaria.

Key Points at a Glance

• Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems offer farmers the opportunity to generate renewable energy and use their land twice through agri-PV.

• The approval and planning of such systems is complex and requires consideration of building regulations, nature conservation laws, and specific site requirements.

• Despite economic challenges, the integration of ground-mounted PV offers significant savings in electricity costs, and the promotion of innovative technologies like floating PV systems promises further growth.

What are Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Systems?

Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems are solar systems installed on open spaces that produce electricity through solar radiation. These systems consist of photovoltaic modules that generate direct current. This direct current is converted into alternating current through inverters and can be fed into the general grid, offering farmers the opportunity to earn money from surplus electricity. Additionally, ground-mounted photovoltaics plays an important role in sustainable energy generation.

The use of open spaces for photovoltaics offers numerous advantages, including the generation of renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Ground-mounted PV systems contribute to sustainable energy supply and are an important component of the Energy Atlas, renewable energies, and the energy transition.

A special form of ground-mounted PV systems are agri-PV systems, where solar power generation is combined with agricultural use. These systems make it possible to produce both food and energy on the same area.

The integration of agri-PV systems into agriculture can improve the yields of certain crops by creating shade while increasing land efficiency. Farmers can thus use their land twice and simultaneously contribute to sustainable energy generation. However, planning and constructing such systems requires careful coordination and consideration of specific site conditions.

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The approval requirements for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems in Bavaria are diverse and include both building and nature conservation regulations. Here are some important points:

• The maximum height for free-standing photovoltaic systems in Bavaria is three meters.

• The total length must not exceed nine meters.

• The Bavarian Building Code promotes the use of PV systems through special regulations, such as the introduction of partition walls as building boundaries, which optimizes land use.

These specifications are crucial for planning and constructing photovoltaic systems in Bavaria.

When establishing ground-mounted PV systems, various nature conservation requirements must be observed, including intervention regulations and species protection provisions. Protected landscapes and legally protected biotopes play an important role in planning and approving such systems. Consideration of these nature conservation prohibitions is crucial for the approval review.

Additionally, the legal framework for ground-mounted PV systems in Bavaria is continuously updated through a dynamic topic platform to comply with changing laws. When planning and installing photovoltaic systems on listed buildings, special approval is required, which can bring additional challenges. Farmers should therefore inform themselves early about specific requirements and procedures to avoid possible delays.

Site Selection and Planning

The choice of the right location is crucial for the success of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems. Municipalities should create site concepts and energy concepts to support the establishment of such systems. When choosing a location, aspects of nature conservation, land use competition, and spatial planning must be considered. Careful planning helps identify the best areas for installing PV systems.

The classification of municipal areas into exclusion zones, restriction zones, and suitable zones is a proven method for finding appropriate locations for PV systems. This classification facilitates the identification of areas suitable for establishing ground-mounted PV systems and helps avoid potential conflicts with other uses. Preparatory planning concepts should identify obstacles and enable error-free planning decisions in the state.

The individual design of a photovoltaic system considers the specific characteristics of the site and optimizes yield capability. The yield of a PV system depends on factors such as:

• Area

• Inclination

• Orientation

• Location

In southern Germany, the yield is about 10-15% higher than in the north. Steep slopes with more than 5% inclination to the north and more than 12% inclination to the east, south, and west are less suitable. The selection of the right location and optimal planning are therefore crucial for the economic viability and success of ground-mounted PV systems.

Economic Viability and Funding Opportunities

The economic viability of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems depends on various factors. Due to rising interest rates and falling energy prices, the economic viability of ground-mounted PV systems has decreased in 2024. This means that projects need to cover more area to be viable. Nevertheless, such systems offer significant savings in electricity costs through self-consumption of solar power.

Indirect support measures, such as tax depreciation, can support the economic viability of PV systems. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers low-interest loans to promote photovoltaic systems and battery storage. This financial support can help reduce initial investment costs and increase the profitability of the systems.

Since April 2023, applications for PV system funding no longer need to be submitted before construction begins, but rather before commissioning. This simplifies the planning process and allows for more flexible handling of funding. Farmers should inform themselves about the various funding opportunities and include these in their planning to maximize the economic viability of their ground-mounted PV systems.

Impact on Agriculture

The installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems can have various impacts on agriculture. Such systems generate about 30 times more electricity per area annually than comparable biogas plants. Competition for land does not lead to a decline in conventional agriculture, as land consumption is less than 2%. In comparison, about 4% of land is set aside annually and not cultivated anyway. Therefore, there is no shortage of land.

Agri-PV systems enable simultaneous use of agricultural production and solar power generation, which increases land efficiency. These systems can improve yields of certain crops by creating shade. Additionally, PV systems promote biodiversity by creating habitats for various species.

The conversion of agricultural land into solar parks does not lead to a reduction in food production. After the use of photovoltaic systems, special subsequent uses of the areas may be required, which are regulated by nature conservation law. Farmers should consider these aspects when planning their PV systems to optimize benefits and minimize potential negative impacts.

Legal Framework and Privileged Status

The legal framework and privileged status of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems are complex and require careful planning. In most cases, ground-mounted PV systems are not privileged and require municipal development planning procedures. A new regulation in the Building Code has allowed since 2023 the construction of ground-mounted PV systems without a development plan if they are 200 meters from highways or main railways. These so-called privileged areas make it easier to approve such systems.

Agri-PV systems can be approved without a development plan if they are no larger than 2.5 hectares and are connected to agricultural operations. The requirements for the privileged status of agri-PV systems are defined in the Renewable Energy Act and include specific structural and operational specifications. The creation of an agricultural use plan is required for the approval of special solar systems.

Farmers should inform themselves early about legal requirements and privileges to avoid possible delays and legal problems. Thorough preparation and compliance with legal requirements are crucial for the successful operation of ground-mounted PV systems, as they form the foundation for this.

Technical Components and Installation

Technical components and installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems require careful planning and execution. Hiring a specialized company ensures that components are optimally coordinated and the system operates efficiently. An experienced project developer should plan and construct the system to ensure all technical and legal requirements are met.

Planning and constructing a ground-mounted PV system is a complex project that requires thorough planning. All necessary technical forms for commissioning should be carefully prepared and submitted. The correct selection of components and their proper installation are crucial for the long-term efficiency and profitability of the system.

Farmers should inform themselves early about technical requirements and best practices for PV system installation to avoid potential errors and maximize their systems' performance.

Ongoing Maintenance and Operation

Ongoing maintenance and operation of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems are crucial for their long-term efficiency and performance. During the construction phase, quality is ensured through regular inspections to maintain workplace safety and compliance with plans. After commissioning, a trial operation period follows, after which all necessary documentation and certificates are handed over.

Regular inspections of the solar modules are important to ensure they work efficiently and to identify potential problems early. Using modern monitoring and control systems can help improve the photovoltaic system's efficiency and identify problems early. These systems enable real-time monitoring of the system's operation and immediate action when needed.

A well-maintained and monitored PV system can achieve its maximum lifespan and deliver the best possible performance. Farmers should therefore invest in regular maintenance and modern monitoring technologies to ensure the profitability of their ground-mounted PV systems.

Environmental and Nature Conservation Aspects

Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems offer numerous benefits for the environment and nature conservation. After their use, they can be completely dismantled, making them more environmentally friendly than, for example, large lignite mining areas. During operation, photovoltaic systems have no pollutant emissions, leading to a positive environmental balance.

Ecological minimum requirements for ground-mounted systems include measures to promote biodiversity. After the installation of PV systems, compensation measures may be required to minimize ecological impacts and promote biodiversity. These include:

• Planting hedges
• Creating habitats for various animal species
• Promoting native plant species
• Implementing sustainable management methods

These measures help protect the environment and maintain biodiversity.

The installation of PV systems can increase biodiversity by creating habitats for various species. These positive environmental impacts make ground-mounted PV systems an important component of sustainable agriculture and the energy transition.

Future Perspectives and Trends

The future perspectives for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems are promising. In 2024, a trend is emerging that will continue into 2025, where land use for settlement and transport areas is declining while the use of open spaces for photovoltaics is increasing. The use of open spaces for photovoltaic systems contributes only minimally to soil sealing since these are usually installed on stands.

Agri-PV, a combination of agriculture and photovoltaics, is considered a promising opportunity to promote both food production and energy generation. This innovative solution enables dual use of agricultural land and supports sustainable development.

Another innovative solution is floating photovoltaic systems on water bodies. These systems expand the usage possibilities for photovoltaics and provide additional areas for energy generation. The future of photovoltaics is characterized by innovations and new technologies that will further improve efficiency and sustainability.

Summary

Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems offer farmers in Bavaria numerous opportunities to benefit both economically and ecologically. Careful planning and selection of suitable locations, as well as compliance with legal frameworks, are crucial for the success of such projects. The economic advantages and funding opportunities can reduce initial investment costs and increase profitability.

The impacts on agriculture are generally positive, as ground-mounted PV systems promote biodiversity and have no significant impact on food production. Ongoing maintenance and efficient operation of the systems are crucial to ensure their maximum lifespan and performance.

The future of photovoltaics promises innovative approaches such as agri-PV and floating PV systems that expand usage possibilities. Farmers should take advantage of these opportunities to contribute to the energy transition while strengthening their economic base. Let yourself be inspired by the possibilities and join us in creating a sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ground-mounted photovoltaic systems?

Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems are solar systems installed on undeveloped areas to efficiently generate solar power. These systems contribute to sustainable energy supply.

What approvals are required for ground-mounted PV systems in Bavaria?

Ground-mounted PV systems in Bavaria require nature conservation permits and, where applicable, approvals regarding listed buildings.

How do ground-mounted photovoltaic systems affect agriculture?

Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems promote biodiversity and generally do not compete directly with food production. Thus, they represent a meaningful complement to agriculture without endangering its yield.

What funding opportunities exist for ground-mounted PV systems?

Ground-mounted PV systems can be supported through low-interest KfW loans and tax depreciation. These options provide financial incentives that support investment in such systems.

What are the future trends in photovoltaics?

Future trends in photovoltaics show increasing use of agri-PV and floating PV systems. These developments could significantly improve efficiency and land use in solar energy.