Overview
Eichensee is a 10 MW operational solar PV facility in Germany. The plant contributes to the country's renewable energy expansion under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III.
Eichensee is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Germany, with an operational capacity of 10 megawatts (MW). This scale places it in the small-to-medium range for solar farms in the country, which typically range from a few MW to over 100 MW for large installations. The facility is currently operational and contributes to Germany's renewable energy generation mix. The plant operates under Germany's regulatory framework, which includes the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) that provides feed-in tariffs and grid priority for renewables. As part of the EU, Germany is also bound by the Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting a 42.5% renewable share by 2030. Solar PV is a key technology in this transition, with Germany having over 60 GW of installed solar capacity as of 2023. Eichensee's location in Bavaria, a region with moderate solar irradiance, supports its generation profile. The plant's output feeds into the local grid, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supporting Germany's climate goals. Solar PV installations like Eichensee also have low operational emissions and minimal water use, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Environmental context
Solar PV plants like Eichensee have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no direct emissions or water consumption. However, land use for solar farms can impact local ecosystems, particularly if sited on agricultural or natural areas. In Germany, regulations require environmental impact assessments for larger installations, and many projects incorporate biodiversity measures such as pollinator-friendly ground cover. The region around Eichensee is characterized by mixed agricultural and forested landscapes, typical of Bavaria.
Frequently asked questions
Eichensee is located in Germany, near the coordinates 49.227° N, 11.756° E, in the state of Bavaria.
The Eichensee solar PV plant has an installed capacity of 10 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar farm.
Solar PV in Germany is supported by the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which provides feed-in tariffs and grid access. Additionally, the EU Renewable Energy Directive III sets a target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030.
Eichensee contributes to Germany's Energiewende (energy transition) by generating clean electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the national target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
Solar PV plants produce no direct emissions during operation, have low water use, and help displace fossil fuel generation. They also have a long operational life of 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.