Lease land for a solar farm
Up to €5,000 per hectare in annual rent
You provide the land, we build the solar system. Logic Energy handles the assessment, permitting, construction, and operation of the ground-mounted photovoltaic system—with personal liability on the part of the owner and fixed financing. A contribution to the energy transition that pays off for property owners in Germany and Italy.
Six-step process
Area inspection
Free · 1–4 weeks
Option contract
Reservation · 4–8 weeks
Approval
Development Plan + Grid Connection · 12–24 months
Master Lease Agreement
Full rent from the start of operations
Construction & Commissioning
By Logic Energy · 3–9 months
20–30-year lease
CPI-indexed · Demolition guarantee
At a glance
Standard market rent per hectare per year in Germany
Contract term with CPI indexation
Current projects in both markets
Personal liability of the owner of mediplan Helm e.K.
Who belongs here —
and what you'll find on this page
This page is intended for landowners in Germany and Italy who are considering leasing their land for a solar farm. It is not a sales brochure, but rather a resource to help you make an informed decision: for farmers planning to transfer their farms to the next generation, for owners of industrial brownfields and redevelopment sites, and for Italian landowners who need to reorient their operations in light of the Decreto Agricoltura.
We’ll show you what requirements your site must meet, how the leasing process works in both countries, what lease income is realistic, which contract clauses must be included in the lease agreement, and what tax pitfalls you should avoid. All figures are backed by primary sources—the Federal Network Agency, Destatis, GSE, Italia Solare, and relevant case law.
The goal: to provide you with a solid basis for decision-making regarding the long-term, predictable, and sustainable use of your property—without requiring you to invest your own capital or assume any business risk.
What your property will be worth in 2026
Landowners who lease arable or grassland for a solar park will earn between €2,500 and €4,500 per hectare per year in Germany in 2025/2026—with rates reaching up to €5,000/ha in prime locations. That is 6 to 11 times the national average for agricultural land leases of €407 per hectare (Destatis Agricultural Structure Survey 2023). In Italy, lease income for farmland ranges from €1,500 to €3,500 per hectare, while industrial sites can reach up to €6,000 per hectare. For landowners, this means: a hectare of land that might yield €400 from farming generates reliable lease income over the term of the contract, income that is not dependent on the harvest year or market prices.
| market segment | Germany 2026 | Italy 2026 | Agriculture Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower market limit | $1,500–$2,500 per hectare | $1,500–$2,000 per hectare | Average farmland lease rate in Germany for 2024: approx. €399/ha (BMEL) |
| Market Center | $3,000–$4,000 per hectare | €2,000–3,000 per hectare | NRW Arable Land 2023: €659/ha (IT.NRW) |
| Upper range (Premium) | €4,000–5,000/ha Bavaria · Baden-Württemberg · North Rhine-Westphalia | €3,500–6,000/ha Sicily · Apulia · Sardinia | 6- to 12-fold lease factor |
| Industry / Redevelopment Sites | up to €5,000 per hectare | €4,500–6,000/ha , up to €8,000/ha | — (no agricultural comparison) |
| Agri-PV (dual use) | €1,000–3,500 per hectare | $1,000–$5,000 per hectare | Permanent grassland 2023: €212/ha (Destatis) |
| Sources: Destatis Agricultural Structure Survey 2023 · IT.NRW 2024 · BMEL Test Farm Network 2024 · sonnen-projekte.de · flaechenmakler.de · affittoterreno.com · biosolar.it · Logic Energy / Helm Group Portfolio Data 2024 | |||
What exactly would your property be worth?
We’ll assess your solar site for suitability, lease rates, and realistic chances of obtaining approval—free of charge and with no obligation. Within four weeks, site owners will receive a written lease estimate and an initial offer—with no contractual commitment and no hassle.
Have your site assessed now Learn more about ground-mounted solar systems
Which areas are suitable
Not every plot of land is suitable for a solar park. A minimum area of 1 to 5 hectares is required as a baseline for construction, but the project only becomes economically viable with a contiguous area of at least 5 hectares—with larger, contiguous areas of 10 hectares or more being strongly preferred. Other key requirements include: a maximum slope of 15°, no shading, and a maximum distance of 2–3 km as the crow flies to the nearest substation. Prime locations along highways and multi-track rail lines are particularly attractive—there, a zoning plan is not required.
Suitable sites for photovoltaic systems are typically agricultural land (arable and grassland), brownfield sites such as former industrial or military areas, as well as decommissioned landfills and quarries. Land along highways and railroad tracks is also suitable, particularly if it lies within a corridor of up to 500 meters —a measure promoted by the EEG 2023 and Solar Package I. In Italy, the Decreto Aree Idonee additionally opens up industrial sites and 300-meter highway corridors.
Suitable arable land and grassland
- 5 hectares or more of contiguous land
- Slope less than 15°
- Power connection within 3 km
- Vehicle-accessible driveway
- No FFH or nature conservation restrictions
Premium suitability
- 10+ contiguous hectares
- Substation less than 1 km away
- 200-meter corridor (DE) or Aree Idonee (IT)
- Scores below 40
- South-facing with a 5–10° slope
Not suitable
- Less than 2 hectares
- Slope gradient greater than 20° or north-facing
- More than 5 km to the utility connection
- FFH/Nature Reserves
- Ineligible Areas in Italy
The Special Case of Agri-Photovoltaics
Not sure if your site is suitable? We’ll check that for you—free of charge. Even plots that seem “problematic” at first glance can often be developed with the right configuration—especially in the context of agri-photovoltaics, which combines agricultural use and electricity generation on the same farmland, thereby bringing nature and energy production together.
A Comparison of the Legal Frameworks in Germany and Italy
EEG, Solar Package I, and Section 35 of the BauGB
The legal framework rests on three pillars: the EEG 2023, which includes tenders and a maximum feed-in tariff of 6.80 ct/kWh in 2026, Solar Package I (in effect since May 16, 2024) with a 50-MW bid size cap and nationwide eligibility for disadvantaged areas, and Section 35 of the German Building Code (BauGB) with the 200-meter corridor privilege along highways and multi-track rail lines. In doing so, the legislature has significantly facilitated the use of land for solar energy and expanded its role as a lever for climate protection.
The most recently published award prices from the Federal Network Agency reflect market dynamics: 4.66 ct/kWh in March 2025, 4.84 ct/kWh in July 2025 , and 5.00 ct/kWh in December 2025. As of November 30, 2025, only 14.7 GW of the 80-GW subsidy cap for agricultural land has been utilized—based on the current situation, the cap will not be reached.
Under Section 6 of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG), local communities are entitled to receive up to 0.2 cents per kWh —for a 20-MW wind farm, this amounts to approximately €40,000 in additional annual revenue for the local community.
Agriculture Decree and Suitable Areas
As of May 16, 2024, a general ban on ground-mounted PV systems on land classified as agricultural has been in effect (Decree Law 63/2024, converted into Law 101/2024). Exceptions: Agrivoltaico with a minimum height of 1.3 m (livestock farming) or 2.1 m (arable farming), Aree Idonee, and PNRR projects. In practice, this clearly shifts the market toward industrial sites, conversion areas, and locations along transportation corridors—where the operation of new facilities remains unrestricted.
The approval process follows three tracks: Attività Libera (PV projects on industrial sites under 5 MW), PAS (PV projects under 10 MW in Aree Idonee — tacit approval after 20 days), and Autorizzazione Unica (1–300 MW, max. 120 days).
On December 1, 2025, the FER X Transitorio support scheme allocated 7,697.6 MW of photovoltaic capacity to 474 projects at a volume-weighted average of €56.825/MWh. Residual risk: TAR Lazio rulings 9155–9158/2025 refer Decree Law 63/2024 to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review.
Logic Energy’s cross-border advantage: We are familiar with both permitting processes and have active projects under both the EEG auction and FER X.
Lease Agreement: Twelve Clauses You Must Not Forget
A lease agreement for a solar park typically runs for 20–30 years and determines the long-term value of your lease. It must include a dismantling guarantee, an index clause, a land registry entry, and a two-step process (an option agreement during the permitting phase, followed by the main lease agreement once the building permit is granted). Anyone who overlooks one of these clauses will lose a significant amount of income over 30 years.
| Clause | What it covers | Market Standard 2026 | Negotiable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract term | Main duration + extension | 20–30 years + 5+5/10-year option | in part |
| Lease amount | €/ha/year Base amount | €2,500–4,500/ha (Germany) | yes |
| CPI indexation | Annual inflation adjustment | 100% CPI | no — required |
| Reservation Compensation | Lease in the approval process | 10–25% of the full lease or €50–200 per hectare | yes |
| Demolition guarantee | Coverage for demolition costs | directly payable, €50,000–80,000 per hectare, adjusted every 5–7 years | no — required |
| Land registry entry | security interest | limited personal servitude (DE) · diritto di superficie (IT) | partially (rank) |
| Rights of way and utility rights | Access During Construction and Operation | registered, including contracts for adjacent properties if applicable | yes |
| Transferability | Change of tenant to investor | Permitted with a reporting requirement and credit check | yes |
| Liability / Insurance | Property damage, personal injury, and environmental damage | Annual proof of liability insurance | Height |
| Pass-through of property tax | Additional property tax burden from A to B | The operator bears the difference | yes |
| Memory expansion | Co-located battery storage | expressly permitted + lease adjustment | Yes — will become mandatory |
| Right of special termination | Insurance Default · Non-payment | 3-month grace period following a reminder | Deadlines |
| Sources: § 21 EStG · § 4 No. 12 UStG · § 13a/13b ErbStG · § 6 EEG 2023 · Supreme Court Order 3461/2021 · Italian Revenue Agency Ruling 23/E dated April 3, 2025 · Industry Standard Clauses 2026 | |||
Two-step process
Under the option agreement, the developer secures the right to the land during the 12–24-month approval phase in exchange for a reservation fee of €50–200 per hectare. The main lease agreement, with full lease payments, takes effect only after a building permit is granted.
Demolition guarantee as protection
It typically covers demolition costs of €50,000–80,000 per hectare. Without a directly enforceable guarantee, the owner bears the costs in the event of insolvency. Adjust every 5–7 years to account for inflation and recycling prices.
Don't forget to index per hectare
At €3,500 per hectare and an annual inflation rate of 2%, the difference between an indexed and a non-indexed lease amounts to approximately 35% over 20 years. For 10 hectares, this corresponds to a difference in value of about €245,000 over the term of the lease.
Tax Treatment: The Two Main Pitfalls
Lease income is classified as income from renting and leasing (§ 21 EStG). The land is reclassified from Property Tax Class A to Property Tax Class B—for 10 hectares, this can quickly result in an additional annual cost of €1,000 or more, which can be passed on to the operator under the terms of the contract.
The most underestimated consequence: The 85% inheritance tax exemption for agricultural business assets (Section 13a of the German Inheritance Tax Act) does not apply to traditional ground-mounted solar power systems. Anyone planning a generational transition within a 20–30-year timeframe should take this into account.
Three possible solutions:
- Agri-photovoltaics instead of traditional open-field installations — the photovoltaic system is designed in such a way that agricultural use is preserved; the property remains agricultural property with inheritance tax benefits. The lease is lower, at €1,000–3,500 per hectare, but the advantages often outweigh this when it comes to transferring the farm.
- The farmer's equity interest in the solar company.
- Spinning off into an independent business prior to the farm handover.
The most significant tax policy decision in Italy.
Lease: The owner retains ownership of the property; registration tax is 0.5% of the annual rent multiplied by the term of the lease. Lease income is classified as either “reddito dominicale” or “reddito diverso,” depending on the type of contract.
Surface rights (leasehold): The lessee becomes the owner of the constructed facility. Most project financiers require this security interest for projects of 1 MW or more. Registration tax of 9% on the value of the right (Supreme Court Decision 3461/2021, confirmed by the Italian Revenue Agency Resolution 23/E dated April 3, 2025).
For a 30-year surface rights lease on 10 hectares of industrial land, with a value of €300,000: a one-time registration tax of €27,000 —compared to less than €5,000 for a lease.
When it comes to leasing, taxes often have a greater impact on returns than the nominal lease amount. In Germany, the focus is on inheritance tax exemptions for agricultural business assets; in Italy, it is the choice between affitto and diritto di superficie—tax considerations play a decisive role in structuring the contract in both countries.
What to Watch Out For: An Overview of the Risks
The biggest risk in a 30-year contract lies in clauses that seem harmless at first glance. In most cases, these include missing or insufficient decommissioning guarantees, overlooked index clauses, and, in Italy, the legal risk arising from the Decreto Agricoltura. Specific red flags: offers below €2,000/ha (Germany) or €1,500/ha (Italy), no track record, and no directly enforceable guarantee.
| Risk | probability | Potential for damage | precautionary measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lack of a demolition guarantee | medium | €50,000–80,000 per hectare | Unconditional bank guarantee, adjusted every 5 years |
| Missing index clause | medium | ~35% loss in real value over 20 years | 100% CPI indexation, annual adjustment |
| Insolvency of the operator | low | Change of tenant, loss of lease income for 6–18 months | Project Company + Track Record Review + Creditworthiness Clause |
| Inheritance Tax Trap (DE) | high in a traditional open space | Loss of the 85% exemption | Agri-PV option or equity investment |
| Decreto-Agricoltura-Risk (IT) | pending before the Constitutional Court | Approval overturned | Clear Aree-Idonee · Termination clause in the option agreement |
| Lease offer well below market value | average for individual offers | up to 50% of lost lease income | Get at least 2–3 quotes |
| Negative Electricity Prices · Solar Peak Act | high (16% of PV hours in 2025) | indirectly — relates to electricity revenue shares | Fixed lease instead of a share of electricity revenue · Allow storage expansion |
| No legal review has been conducted | high | hidden onerous clauses | €1,500–5,000 for a lawyer specializing in energy and agricultural law |
| Sources: ECOVIS Guidance on Inheritance Tax for PV Leasing · TAR Lazio 9155–9158/2025 · pv magazine, January 26, 2026 (based on ENTSO-E data) · Logic Energy / Helm Group empirical data for 2024–2026 | |||
Germany or Italy: Which country is a better place to lease your land?
Italy—particularly the south—offers higher absolute lease rates for industrial land and up to 50% higher yields per kilowatt-peak: the sun is simply more intense there as an energy source. Germany offers less legal uncertainty and more stable subsidy structures. For landowners with property in both countries, a cross-border provider is strategically advantageous because it is familiar with both legal systems and offers uniform contract standards.
| Criterion | Germany | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Lease of agricultural land | $2,500–$4,500 per hectare | $1,500–$3,500 per hectare |
| Premium Lease / Industrial | up to €5,000 per hectare | up to €6,000–8,000/ha in the south |
| Solar radiation (kWh/m²/year) | 950–1,150 | 1,100–1,300 (north) · up to 2,000+ (south) |
| Specific yield (kWh/kWp) | 900–1,160 | 1,000–1,500 |
| Standard Contract Term | 20–30 years | 30 years (+5+5 option) |
| Contract type | Lease Agreement + Easement | lease (0.5% tax) or surface rights (9% tax) |
| Main Funding Program 2026 | EEG Tender by the Federal Network Agency (max. 6.80 ct/kWh) | FER X Transitory (average €56.8/MWh, December 2025 auction) |
| Validity period | 12–24 months | PAS 20 days of silence · AU 120 days–2 years |
| Ground-mounted solar panels on agricultural land | generally possible (special privilege) | strictly prohibited (Agriculture Decree) |
| Community participation | up to 0.2 ct/kWh (Section 6 of the EEG) | not standardized |
| The Main Tax Pitfall | Inheritance tax exemption no longer applies | Choice between leasehold (0.5%) and surface rights (9%) |
| Market Dynamics 2025 | Steady growth, stable premium prices | -5% overall growth, but utility-scale +15% |
| Sources: Federal Network Agency Tender Results 2025 · GSE FER X Transitorio Results 12/01/2025 · Italia Solare PV Data 12/31/2025 · Legislative Decree 199/2021 · Ministerial Decree June 21, 2024 (Eligible Areas) · Solar Package I (Federal Law Gazette 2024 I No. 151) | ||
Why Choose Logic Energy as a Lease Partner
Personal liability of the owner
The contracting party is mediplan Helm e.K. — the owner is personally and fully liable under Sections 1, 17, and 19 of the German Commercial Code (HGB). This is not possible in pure GmbH structures.
Active land acquisition
We’re looking for properties—not the other way around. This makes us a responsive and reliable partner for property owners—we provide an initial assessment within 4 weeks.
Fixed financing
Financing is in place before construction begins. You won’t have to wait for a construction phase that falls through later on and blocks your solar installation for years.
Cross-Border Germany & Italy
Active projects in Germany and Italy—a rarity among German small and medium-sized enterprises. For Italian projects, this represents a structural advantage born of years of experience.
Everything under one roof: site acquisition and permitting by mediplan Helm e.K., construction by Logic Energy, and operation by the Helm Group. A single point of contact for a 20–40-year contract term—service, expertise, and accountability all from one source.
Ready to have your space inspected?
If you own 5 hectares or more of contiguous land in Germany or Italy, please feel free to contact us. We will discuss your project, assess its suitability, and get back to you within four weeks with a written confirmation of suitability and an initial lease offer—with no obligation and no financial risk.
As of May 19, 2026. Lease figures are market estimates; binding values are determined only through individual offers. Tax-related statements do not replace individual advice from a tax advisor or attorney. The legal status of the Italian Decreto Agricoltura is currently uncertain due to pending proceedings before the Corte Costituzionale—lease agreements in Italian Aree Agricole should include appropriate termination or adjustment clauses.
Request a no-obligation initial consultation
FAQ
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In Germany, the standard lease rate per hectare for 2025/2026 ranges between €2,500 and €4,500 per hectare per year, with peak rates reaching up to €5,000 per hectare for premium locations (close proximity to the grid, southern Germany, EEG incentives). In Italy, project developers pay €1,500–3,500/ha for solar power generation on agricultural land and up to €6,000/ha on industrial land. This means lease revenues are 6 to 11 times higher than agricultural land leases (2023 national average according to Destatis: €407/ha).
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A solar farm becomes economically viable with a contiguous area of approximately 5 hectares; 10 hectares or more is ideal. Technically, projects can be implemented on sites as small as 2 hectares, but the fixed costs associated with permitting and grid connection significantly reduce the lease income for smaller sites. Special provisions apply to installations of 1 hectare or more located within the highway corridor in Italy. A free site assessment will quickly determine which option is realistic for your property.
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How long is the lease term for a solar farm?
Typically 20 to 30 years, often with renewal options of 5+5 or 10 years. The contract term is based on the 20-year EEG subsidy period plus a reserve for the plant’s operational life. During this period, you will receive an annual lease payment, which is usually CPI-indexed. In Italy, 30 years is the standard term for the diritto di superficie, often with two renewal options.
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The operator is contractually obligated to completely dismantle the facility—including modules, inverters, concrete foundations, and cables—and to restore the land to a condition suitable for farming. A directly enforceable dismantling guarantee (from a bank or insurance company) covers the costs, typically €50,000–80,000 per hectare, even in the event of insolvency. The return to the site’s original agricultural use and to nature is usually achieved within one to two growing seasons.
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With traditional ground-mounted PV, the land loses its agricultural status, and EU direct payments (CAP) are completely lost. With agri-PV, the agricultural status is retained—with a maximum of 15% of the land occupied by module racks, approximately 85% of the direct payments remain available. Note: The inheritance tax exemption for agricultural business assets also does not apply to conventional ground-mounted PV.
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In the case of an affitto (lease), the landowner remains the owner of the future structure; the imposta di registro is 0.5% of the annual rent multiplied by the term of the lease. In the case of a diritto di superficie (surface rights), the lessee becomes the owner of the structure built on the land; the registration tax is 9% of the value of the right (Supreme Court 3461/2021, confirmed by the Italian Revenue Agency Resolution 23/E dated April 3, 2025). Project financiers typically require a right of superficies for facilities over 1 MW due to the security interest.
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A specialized legal review for energy and agricultural law costs between €1,500 and €5,000, depending on the scope and complexity of the contract. Given the 20- to 30-year term and typical contract values ranging from €700,000 to €1,500,000 over the term, this investment is almost always justified—especially for reviewing decommissioning guarantees, index clauses, land registry security, and tax implications.
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An average farmland area of 10 hectares, when converted into a solar farm, generates roughly as much solar energy as 3,000 to 4,000 households consume in a year—without producing any CO₂ emissions during operation. Those who lease their land are making a measurable contribution to the expansion of renewable energy. For many landowners, the idea of transforming a previously purely agricultural area into an energy source is the real motivation, in addition to the lease income.
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A traditional lease is usually for a short term with a fixed rent. Leasing to a solar park developer, on the other hand, commits the land for 20–30 years, but in return ensures stable, index-linked lease income—that is, predictable income with no effort required on the part of the owner. This aspect of the photovoltaic system is often underestimated: you assume no business risk, but simply provide the land. Construction and operation of the PV system are entirely the responsibility of Logic Energy.
References
Federal Statistical Office — Press Release PD24_153_41 — 2023 Agricultural Structure Survey: Lease rates for agricultural land in Germany (national average €357/ha, average for arable land €407/ha)
IT.NRW — NRW Lease Rates for 2023 — NRW is the German state with the highest lease rates in 2023 (arable land: €659/ha)
agrarheute — Lease rates to rise again in 2024 — Data from the BMEL test farm network: Arable land lease rates in 2024 approx. €399/ha
Solar Power System Portal — Solar Farm Lease Rates — Market Indication of Lease Rates in Germany
Land Broker — Photovoltaic Lease Rates — Market Indication: Up to €5,000 per hectare
Solar Projects — Leasing Land for a Solar Park in 2025 — Premium Site Prices and Lease Factor Analysis
AffittoTerreno.com — Farmland Rental Rates — Italian Lease Market Ranges 2026
BioSolar.it — Land for Lease for Solar Power Plants — Italian lease rates for industrial land up to €8,000/ha
Reliable Solar Power — Solar Land Leasing — Overview of the Italian Market
Federal Network Agency — Solar Ground-Mounted Tender 12/1/2025 — Volume-weighted winning bid price 5.00 ct/kWh
Federal Network Agency — Open-Space Solar Tender, March 1, 2026 — EEG Cap for Agricultural Land: 14.7 GW Utilization Rate
GSE — FER X — Italian FER X Transitional Support Scheme
Rinnovabili.it — FER X Rankings — First FER X Auction, December 1, 2025: 7,697.6 MW of PV awarded, average price €56.825/MWh
pv magazine Italia — FerX Transitional non-price criteria — NZIA Tranche 12/2025: 1.115 GW, average €66.378/MWh
Italia Solare — Photovoltaics 2025 Annual Report — 43.513 GW cumulative, 2025 growth -5%, utility-scale +15%, Lombardy -19%, Emilia-Romagna -10%
C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V. — Solar Package I Adopted — Solar Package I in Effect Since May 16, 2024; Changes for Ground-Mounted PV
LEKA-MV — Section 6 of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG): Municipal Participation — Voluntary municipal participation of up to 0.2 cents per kWh
Grant Thornton — Citizen and Community Participation in Wind and Solar Energy — Seven Federal States with Mandatory Participation Laws
BibLus ACCA — Legislative Decree 63/2024 (Agriculture Decree ) — Ban on ground-mounted solar PV systems on land classified as agricultural
Pedago — Consolidated Law on Renewable Energy (Legislative Decree 190/2024) — Three Permitting Tracks (Free Activity, PAS, Single Authorization)
Notaio Busani — Registration Tax on Lease of Photovoltaic Land — 0.5% registration tax on agricultural leases for photovoltaic purposes
Terrin & Associati — Surface Rights 9% — Supreme Court Order No. 3461/2021: 9% registration tax on surface rights
pv magazine — Negative Electricity Prices in 2025: Share of PV Generation — 16% of 2025 PV generation during hours with negative prices (Data source: ENTSO-E)
Solar panels along the highway — 200-meter corridor — Section 35(1)(8b) of the German Building Code (BauGB): Special provisions within the 200-meter corridor