What land should you choose for photovoltaics?
The success of a renewable energy project depends largely on selecting the right property, which should provide the right conditions for the photovoltaic panels to operate. Equally important is the appropriate infrastructure, necessary for installation. What characteristics should an ideal plot of land for photovoltaics possess? Here are five key attributes:
1. Plot for photovoltaics: adequately sunny
For maximum efficiency, solar panels should face south to maximize exposure to sunlight. Therefore, land with a flat topography or a south-facing slope is ideal for photovoltaic installations.
When choosing a suitable plot for photovoltaics, it's also important to consider the surrounding area. Trees, tall buildings, and wind farms shade the area, reducing the efficiency of the entire installation. The best locations for photovoltaics are, therefore, wasteland in agricultural areas or investment plots located in larger cities. For more information on the latter, see the article: Investment Plot – What Does It Mean?
2. Land for photovoltaics – low-grade soil and wasteland
When it comes to designating agricultural plots for renewable energy installations, Polish law is quite strict. Land with high soil quality classes (I-III) is legally protected and designated exclusively for agricultural purposes. Photovoltaic farms can be built on plots with lower soil quality classes and on wasteland, provided they meet certain requirements (discussed below).
Photovoltaic farms are a profitable business for companies that are migrating from big cities to the countryside. You can read more about the benefits of relocating your business to the countryside on our blog.
3. Areas for photovoltaics with appropriate entry in the local plan
These conditions are provisions in the local zoning plan that permit the construction of a photovoltaic farm in a given area. This planning document – adopted by the municipal council – specifies the intended use and development conditions for properties located within its boundaries. The process of adopting a zoning plan is lengthy, which is why many local governments lack this strategic document. In such a situation, the investor should apply to the district office for development conditions for the plot of land they are interested in.
4. Plot for a photovoltaic farm: large and wide enough
Technical considerations dictate the minimum plot size for photovoltaics. Panels should be arranged so as not to shade each other. It is assumed that a 1 MW installation requires at least 2 hectares of land. The preferred plot width is at least 50 meters, which allows for access to individual panels and maintains an optimal distance from the plot boundary.
5. Plot for photovoltaics with appropriate infrastructure
This aspect of selecting the right plot for photovoltaics is dictated by economic considerations. A plot accessible by a paved road reduces investment costs, as it eliminates the expense of providing access. Such a property also offers significant logistical convenience, facilitating the transport and assembly of installation components.
Proximity to the electricity grid is another characteristic of an ideal photovoltaic site. It's generally accepted that the distance between a renewable energy installation and the connection point should be a maximum of 500 meters. Unfortunately, with each additional meter, the investment cost increases significantly.
Plots for photovoltaics - offers for sale
Photovoltaic plots can be found in Orange Real Estate. These plots possess all the characteristics of an ideal plot for a renewable energy installation. These plots are located in various parts of Poland and include investment land and uncultivated agricultural land.