More uncontrolled growth under the panel

23.07.2024 – The Renewable Energy Sources Act now provides for criteria for biodiversity in ground-mounted solar systems. The section on biodiversity in the Solar Package I has been significantly shortened. Nevertheless, for the first time, minimum nature conservation criteria for ground-mounted solar have now been laid down. In addition to biodiversity and nature conservation, the aim of the measures is to increase the acceptance of ground-mounted PV systems.

In the future, operators of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems (PV-FFA) will have to select and implement three out of five measures if the system applies for EEG remuneration in a tender. These measures concern the maximum floor area used, soil care and soil conservation, wildlife trails and biotope elements. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action sets out all criteria and their application in a guideline.

The biotope in the solar park

The first criterion is considered fulfilled if the panels occupy a maximum of 60 percent of the total area of the construction project. Open areas that are not covered by modules can include, for example, migration corridors for large mammals, access paths or hedgerows.

The second criterion is considered to be fulfilled if a biodiversity-promoting care concept is applied. The soil under the modules or other built-up areas should be upgraded by mowing or grazing. The mown material must be cleared and the grazing divided up in order not to overexploit the areas.

The third criterion is considered to be fulfilled if it is ensured that large and small animals continue to find their way between the modules. In the case of facilities that are more than half a kilometre long, so-called migration corridors must be created for this purpose, which are both wide enough and attractive in terms of planting to allow large mammals to pass through. The corridor should be no more than 20 metres wide and should be geared towards animal species that occur locally. For smaller systems, it is sufficient to ensure that small animals find their way underneath the panels.

The fourth criterion is considered to be fulfilled if site-adapted types of habitat elements are created on at least 10 percent of the plant area. The elements aim to promote biodiversity on the area and thus also enhance it.

Native plants and woody plants such as hedges are planned as biotope elements, but also grassland on which species-rich regional seeds have been sown, raw soil, sand or gravel areas, small bodies of water, piles of reading stones or walls made of material typical of the area, piles of deadwood or hedges, nesting aids for birds, bats or insects as well as bee castles. If ten square metres of biotope are to be counted, five nesting aids must be set up for each.

The fifth criterion is considered to be fulfilled if the plant is operated in a soil-friendly manner. This means that no pesticides or fertilizers are used on the area and the facility is only cleaned with cleaning agents if they are biodegradable and indispensable for cleaning. In the case of proof of fertilisers, the condition of the area before it is used as a solar park is recorded in order to take into account previous pollution.

Plant operators decide

The criteria are partly intertwined or complement each other. The plant operators can choose for themselves which three criteria are implemented. Choosing criteria that were already provided for other reasons is also permitted. If technical or structural features already lead to criteria being met, these may be selected and 'booked' accordingly. It is also possible to switch between criteria at a later date, as long as at least three are always met. The operator can confirm compliance with the measures with a self-declaration or other evidence such as development plans, depending on the measure, invoices or the like. jb