Largest solar park in Siegen-Wittgenstein: A billion-dollar step into the future!

Largest solar park in Siegen-Wittgenstein: A billion-dollar step into the future!

The SCHÄFER WERKE Group recently took an impressive step towards renewable energies in southern Siegerland. With the inauguration of the largest open-space photovoltaic system in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district, the company is sending a strong signal for sustainable energy production. On the Pfannenberg, an open area of ​​around 9,000 square meters - the equivalent of around 35 tennis courts - the solar park will generate around two million kilowatt hours of renewable electricity annually, which corresponds to around a third of the total electricity requirement at the main location in Neunkirchen. The investment in the project is worth millions and the system's frames are made of low-carbon steel, which will significantly reduce the company's carbon footprint. LokalPlus reports that…

But what is special about ground-mounted photovoltaic systems? These large-scale solar systems require more space than the roof systems that are often used. While the area requirement per megawatt fell from 4.1 hectares in 2006 to around 1 hectare in 2021, around 32,000 hectares of photovoltaics were installed on open spaces in Germany at the end of 2021. Of these, around 36 percent were found on conversion areas, such as old military sites or landfills. Arable land and edges of traffic routes only made up a small part. This shows that the expansion of open space facilities can be designed in a future-oriented and environmentally conscious manner without sacrificing valuable agricultural land. The Federal Environment Agency explains that...

Growth potential of photovoltaics

And the potential for expanding photovoltaics is enormous. Current studies show that there is more space for open-field photovoltaic systems in Germany than is actually needed. Almost 287 gigawatts could be installed on verges, parking lots and industrial areas alone. This would even exceed the goals of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) of 200 gigawatts by 2040. In addition to pure electricity production, agri-PV systems could also combine agricultural use and solar energy production, which optimizes the use of land and at the same time increases added value in agriculture. Öko-Institut informs that…

In addition, it appears that the population is generally positive about the expansion of renewable energies, but expresses concerns about specific projects, particularly with regard to the use of fertile soil. The aim here is to increase acceptance through citizen participation in the income from renewable energy systems. Sustainable use and a focus on suitable areas can be crucial.

In summary, it can be said that innovative projects such as the SCHÄFER WERKE Group's new solar park represent a further significant step towards a sustainable energy strategy. The balance between ecological, economic and social aspects plays a central role in the implementation of future energy projects in Germany.