Millions of square meters wasted

From idea to implementation - What needs to be considered‍

Over eight years ago, my business partner Sebastian Schmidt and I installed a solar system on a factory hall in Lusatia. We soon realized how beneficial utilizing industrial rooftops for solar energy could be: lower energy costs, a better carbon footprint, and an increase in property value.
The installation of a photovoltaic (PV) system on a company’s roof is more than just a technical decision – it is a process that requires careful consideration. Contrary to common belief, a building permit is typically not required for the installation of a PV rooftop system. Nevertheless, companies must keep several aspects in mind: the roof must be able to support the additional weight of the solar modules, which necessitates a structural analysis. The condition of the roof covering must also be checked to ensure that it will remain watertight for at least 20 years.
Additionally, the solar system must be integrated into the lightning protection and fire prevention systems. Fire safety requirements must also be addressed, including the location of inverters, an emergency shut-off switch, and proper cable routing. There are also specific requirements that need to be met for the grid connection; otherwise, equipment such as the transformer or the low-voltage main distribution may need to be upgraded.

Federal government supports solar installations 

Since most buildings are typically already connected to the power grid, rooftop systems – unlike standalone installations – do not require a newly established grid connection at the location. Instead, the grid operator checks whether the planned generation facility meets the requirements for grid connection. From our experience, companies save a lot of time when they provide the necessary technical documents, such as schematics and performance data, early on and submit them for review. 

Additionally, it should be clarified early on whether the grid has sufficient capacity to accommodate the generated solar power. An initial contact with the grid operator can help clarify these questions quickly and avoid unnecessary delays. 

The process from planning to commissioning a solar system is not only time-consuming but also costly. However, the government offers a range of subsidies that can help reduce the financial burden, such as funding through the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). In principle, every PV system must be certified and registered in the Market Master Data Register of the Federal Network Agency.

Practical example: Pitfalls and how to avoid them

In practice, it repeatedly becomes clear that even with careful preparation and strict adherence to all steps, unexpected hurdles can arise. One example of this is the grid compatibility assessment. There is no uniform process, and the requirements vary significantly between grid operators. These differences can also cause delays in our projects. A central platform where all necessary documents and certificates could be stored would be a potential solution to simplify the process. 

Reliable collaboration with the relevant authorities is also crucial. A direct point of contact can be helpful when delays occur or additional documents are needed. For instance, we had to discover late in the planning process of a PV system near a highway that a noise emission assessment was required. Early contact with the authorities could have provided us with this information sooner and advanced the project more efficiently.

The effort pays off.
The path to solar energy is not always easy, but it is worthwhile. The challenges—whether bureaucratic requirements or technical details—may seem overwhelming at first, even for large companies, but they can be overcome. Solar energy is a crucial step toward a sustainable future. Companies that take this path benefit not only economically but also make an important contribution to the energy transition.

About the expert
In 2018, Wolfgang Röbig founded GIGA.GREEN together with Sebastian Schmidt. The company offers commercial customers easy access to affordable and long-term stable solar energy without requiring upfront investments. The company's goal is to work with its customers to save one gigaton of CO2, which is equivalent to one billion tons.

This article was published on:

https://www.focus.de/earth/experten/die-ungenutzte-goldmine-auf-dem-dach-millionen-quadratmeter-verschwendet-wie-firmen-die-grosse-solar-huerde-ueberwinden_id_260255655.html

‍