Photovoltaic farm from scratch – step by step to your own solar power plant - BLOG - Stenerg

GROUND-MOUNTED STRUCTURES FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS

TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF YOUR BUSINESS

Photovoltaic farm from scratch – step by step to your own solar power plant

Rising energy prices, changes in legislation, and programs such as Mój Prąd 6.0 are making photovoltaics with energy storage increasingly cost-effective. A private photovoltaic farm is a way to achieve energy independence, cost predictability, and access to the renewable energy market.

As a partner of PV Polska, Stenerg supports investors in designing and delivering modern solutions based on photovoltaic structures. In this guide, we present practical steps and tips that will help you consciously plan and implement your photovoltaic farm investment.

1. Planning a photovoltaic farm

1.1 Location and formalities

To build a photovoltaic farm, a plot of approximately 1.5–2 hectares per 1 MW of capacity is required. Class IV–VI land is best suited for this purpose. The investor should ensure access to the power infrastructure and verify the provisions of the Local Spatial Development Plan (MPZP) or obtain zoning conditions. Design maps and an environmental decision may also be required.

The time needed to obtain approvals ranges from several weeks to even a year. That is why steel structure manufacturers, such as Stenerg, offer support already at this stage – so that the investor does not lose time or money.

1.2 Installation capacity and profitability

A 1 MW photovoltaic farm is currently one of the most popular investment scales in Poland. It can generate approximately 950–1,100 MWh of energy annually. Under the current net-billing system and average purchase prices, this translates into revenue of around PLN 400,000–480,000 per year. Net profit depends on land, grid connection, service, and insurance costs, but the return on investment typically occurs within 6–9 years.

2. Photovoltaic structures – design and technology

2.1 Layout and installation technology

Adapting the structure to the ground and local conditions is the foundation of a successful project. A manufacturer of steel halls and photovoltaic structures should provide various installation options: single- and double-support systems, east-west layouts, or systems for bifacial panels. This makes it possible to optimize land use and maximize energy yield.

2.2 Magnelis® coated steel

Stenerg manufactures structures from certified Magnelis® steel, resistant to corrosion, moisture, and chemical compounds. It is a much more durable solution than hot-dip galvanizing – as confirmed by tests in aggressive environments (e.g., biogas or fertilizer production facilities). The Magnelis® coating provides protection for up to 25 years, including edges and joints, significantly reducing the farm’s maintenance costs.

3. Construction of a photovoltaic farm – stages of implementation

Construction design and detailed design – soil analysis, pile spacing, wind and snow load calculations.

Prefabrication of the structure – cutting, drilling, and marking elements at the production facility.

Logistics and installation – driving piles into the ground, assembling profiles and the supporting structure.

PV installation and wiring – installation of panels, microinverters or string systems, inverters, and protection systems.

Acceptance by the DSO – synchronization and commissioning of energy production.

A well-coordinated team and an experienced steel hall manufacturer make it possible to complete the investment within 3–6 months.

4. Energy storage systems and new development directions

Investments in energy storage systems are becoming increasingly cost-effective – especially with dynamically changing market prices and the net-billing system. Photovoltaics with energy storage increases self-consumption, helps avoid losses from selling electricity at low prices, and improves grid balancing. Stenerg supports the integration of structures with off-grid systems and storage solutions as part of larger projects, also in combination with wind energy or small wind turbines.

5. Why Stenerg?

Stenerg is a Polish manufacturer of steel and photovoltaic structures that combines its own design office, a modern machinery park, and an experienced team of engineers. We are a trusted partner for EPC companies, private investors, and institutions throughout Poland.

We offer:

• comprehensive support from design to delivery.
• steel structures with a Magnelis® coating.
• experience in 1 MW and larger projects.
• compliance with EN 1090, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 standards.

Summary

A photovoltaic farm is a long-term investment with a stable return. The key to success is a properly selected photovoltaic structure, a well-adapted design, and cooperation with an experienced supplier. Stenerg is a manufacturer that understands the realities of the market, technology, and investors’ needs.

📞 +48 795 001 467
📩 biuro@stenerg.pl
🌐 www.stenerg.pl

Example projects

3,2 MW

Bolechów, Lower Silesian Voivodeship

1MW

Połaniec, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship

DM-V2 is a PV substructure designed for large utility-scale photovoltaic farms.

1MW

Jedlno Drugie, Łódź Voivodeship

DB-V2 is a structure designed for photovoltaic farms with bifacial modules, proven in large-scale projects. The system has been implemented in ground-mounted investments, where it contributed to the rapid commissioning of the installation and the reliable operation of the entire system.

1MW

Jedlno Pierwsze, Łódź Voivodeship.

For a 1 MW photovoltaic farm, we delivered a robust DB-V2 substructure, tailored to modern bifacial modules. This solution ensures maximum use of solar energy and long-term durability.