Projectleider zonne-energie
Provincie Groningen
In the Netherlands in recent years we have seen a strong growth in the number of solar parks being realized. For example, a record number of solar parks were realized in 2021. This trend will continue in 2022. This is of course a good development for making the Netherlands more sustainable. But what makes building a solar park, also called a solar meadow, so interesting?
One of the main reasons is the fact that lucrative subsidies are made available in the Netherlands for the realization of sustainable energy projects. This gives promoters security of income for a longer period of time.
This greatly reduces the risk of investing in a solar park. We therefore also see that it is becoming increasingly interesting to start a solar farm. We see this particularly in the agricultural sector. Thus, solar panels are increasingly being placed on agricultural land.
In this article we have listed all the solar farm information. We also elaborate on all the steps required to successfully realize a solar farm.
Realizing a solar farm can be a big challenge. You need to consider several issues and topics. These include:
Before you start constructing a solar park, it is important to gain an insight into the costs and revenues. You want an answer to the question of to what extent the realization of a solar park is financially attractive and feasible for you. This is clarified in the business case for your solar farm. Ekwadraat uses the following strategy to draw up a business case:
Using special software we make one or more designs for the location you have in mind. The software makes it possible to design a park based on specific components (brand + type of solar panels and inverters). Based on these designs, a production prognosis can be determined and it becomes clear which capacities can be realized. This forms the input for further research into the financing possibilities.
Another important cost component is the realization of the network connection. Based on the sketch designs, we will enter into consultation with the network operator(s). During these consultations we will investigate the possibilities for creating a network connection and the costs involved.
Using the above information, we can draw up an overview of the expected investments. On the other hand, we compare the returns, taking into account energy prices and subsidy rates. This gives you insight into the payback period and the return, if desired with a sensitivity analysis. If it appears that there is a positive business case for the solar park, the next steps can be taken.
When the SDE subsidy is granted, you will have 15 years of certainty of this income. This makes obtaining the necessary external financing more feasible. The investment cost of a solar farm can be quite high. Due to the relatively long payback period, external financing is often required. Because of the SDE++ decision, the low interest rates and the government's policy on making the Netherlands more sustainable, financing can be obtained in many cases.
However, obtaining the necessary financing is not a simple process. It is important to approach the right parties so that a balanced choice of the most suitable partner can be made. In this process, legal and financial agreements are made between the initiator and the financier. These agreements are based on technical, legal, financial and due diligence studies. What you do need to pay attention to is having sufficient equity to finance the development process.
There are many suppliers of solar panels in the Netherlands. Each supplier has its own products and features. Finding the best supplier for your project can therefore be a challenge. At Ekwadraat we use a system by which, based on the requirements for your project (price, delivery time, maintenance etc.), we rank suppliers on suitability. This ranking system allows you to choose the most suitable supplier to realize your project.
Are you in the process of realizing a solar park? Or are you curious whether it is interesting to place solar panels in your meadow, for example? Then we would like to help you realize this. With 18 years of experience in the field of solar energy, we can proudly say that we are experts in guiding initiators to a successful project. We know all the bottlenecks and opportunities you need to consider.
Are you planning to develop a solar park? Or are you curious about the potential and feasibility of your project? Then get in touch with us.
"Curious about the possibilities of realizing a solar park?"
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