Access Roads for Solar Farms

The development and construction of Renewable Energy Sources, including solar farms, require access for heavy machinery and the transport of exceptionally heavy components. Ensuring a durable, load-bearing road with proper traction and ground protection is essential for the efficient and safe construction of photovoltaic farms.

What is a Solar Farm?

A solar farm is a collection of photovoltaic (PV) panels used to generate electricity from sunlight. These panels contain solar cells that convert solar energy into electrical energy, which is then fed into the power grid for distribution and consumption.

There are two main types of photovoltaic installations:

• Rooftop panels (micro-installations): Used by individuals or small businesses to generate solar electricity for personal use.

• Utility-scale solar farms: Generate electricity and distribute it via high-voltage transmission lines under power purchase agreements (PPAs) or to supply local communities.

Also known as solar parks or solar power stations, these ground-mounted systems are typically installed over large areas to maximise sunlight exposure and minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar farms are categorised into:

• Small-scale RES installations (50 kWp to 1 MWp)

• Large-scale RES installations (above 1 MWp)

Building a Solar Farm: Key Legal Steps

Environmental Decision

Whether an environmental decision is required depends on the land area and whether the site is within a protected zone (e.g., Natura 2000). According to the Polish Regulation of August 10, 2023:

• ≥ 0.5 ha in protected areas requires an environmental report.

• ≥ 2 ha outside such zones also requires documentation.

This includes preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Project Information Sheet (PIS).

Planning Conditions (when no local zoning plan exists)

If there’s no Local Development Plan (MPZP), a building conditions decision is required before proceeding.

Grid Connection Conditions

The investor must apply to the Distribution System Operator (DSO) for grid connection conditions. Required documents include land title, site map, zoning plan or planning conditions. The standard processing time is up to 150 days.

Major Polish DSOs: ENEA, ENERGA, PGE, TAURON.

Once operational, the solar farm sells electricity to the local utility provider.

Building Permit

As of July 19, 2019, installations below 50 kW don’t require a building permit. Larger projects do. Permits expire if construction doesn’t start within 3 years or is paused for more than 3 years.

Farms over 500 kW must also obtain a license.

Choosing the Right Land for a Solar Farm

Ideal land should be flat, unshaded, and not of high agricultural value (i.e., not class I–IIIb). Class IV or lower or fallow land is preferable. Higher quality soil requires conversion, which is costly and requires ministerial approval.

Key Parameters to Consider

• Minimum 2 hectares and 50 metres width for a 1 MW system

• Access to public roads

• Distance from forests or tall buildings to avoid shading

• Flat or south-facing terrain

• Proximity to the power grid (ideally within 200 m)

• No location within protected environmental zones

Grid Distance

Being within 200 metres of the medium-voltage line or transformer station is ideal. Greater distances significantly raise costs and delay approval processes.

Access Road Requirements

Properties must have an accessible, solid access road. This allows heavy vehicles to reach the site during construction and simplifies later maintenance.

Solar farms are considered technical infrastructure, so they don’t require direct access to public roads.

Optimal Plot Size and Layout

A 1 MW solar farm typically requires 2 hectares of land with optimal spacing between panels to minimise shading and maximise energy conversion. Ideal plots are flat or gently sloped to the south and offer full sun exposure.

Leasing Land for Solar Projects

Leasing is the most common way to secure land for solar farms. It reduces upfront investment, but leases must:

• Ensure long-term availability

• Protect against sudden termination

• Allow the investor to build on the land

• Permit transfer of rights

• Specify responsibilities (e.g., property tax)

Note: Landowners aren’t required to provide road access to the leased land.

Panel Distance from Property Boundary

There’s no strict regulation in Poland, but it’s generally recommended to maintain at least 4 metres distance. Local zoning plans and neighbouring rights must be observed to avoid conflicts.

Solar Farm as Technical Infrastructure

Solar farms are classified as technical infrastructure and don’t need to meet “good neighbourhood” principles, although local conditions (like future tall buildings or trees) should still be considered to avoid shading.

Preparing the Site and Access Road

Solar farm construction begins with site preparation and access road installation. Without stable roads, muddy and uneven terrain can delay construction.

These farms are often built on farmland, which may lack proper access. The solution? Temporary road mats, also called ground protection mats or construction access mats.

Road Mats for Solar Farms

At Power Rubber, we offer plastic road mats—an innovative solution with many advantages:

• Lightweight and easy to install/remove

• Durable and impact-resistant

• Provide stable, non-slip surfaces

• Ideal for temporary access roads

• Resistant to temperature extremes and wear

• Can be used on slopes and vegetated areas

• Waterproof and reusable

• Minimal cleaning required after use

Compared to concrete, our mats don’t crack in cold weather and are much easier to handle.

Especially Useful in Wet Conditions

In autumn and winter, muddy terrain can halt work. Road mats prevent vehicles from sinking and provide grip with their anti-slip texture. They reduce ruts, prevent mud from sticking to tyres, and require no heavy equipment for installation. Mats are connected using special couplings.

Power Rubber – Your Supplier of Temporary Road Mats

Power Rubber provides professional solutions for temporary access roads and ground protection. Our road mats are engineered using advanced technologies for maximum strength, durability, and safety.

For more information, contact us by phone at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, via email at Power@PowerRubber.com, or through our contact form.