How we build
our solar parks
Energy from the sun to the cell takes eight minutes. In practice, it takes a bit longer. Here, you can read more about the practical steps BeGreen takes when we establish a solar park in Denmark.
An efficient energy transition
BeGreen follows a series of carefully prioritized steps when building a solar park. We do this to ensure an effective energy transition that also creates more value for vegetation, wildlife, and local communities. From planning to maintenance. From cradle to grave to recycling.
Identifying suitable land and collaborating with landowners on land leases
It all starts with the land. We start with land near a grid connection – that is, by a transformer station – and ensure, in close collaboration with landowners, that we have enough land for a solar park.
Early environmental considerations
After identifying suitable land for a solar park, our team of environmental specialists assess the potential environmental impacts and opportunities associated with park construction. This assessment takes place as early in the planning process as possible so that the park design can be adjusted to maximise biodiversity gains and minimize environmental impact. The assessment takes place in three steps:
Survey
We identify key ecological features ahead of construction – including onsite species and important habitats. These features are assessed through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and site-specific species and habitat surveys.
Monitoring and management:
We continue to monitor the site throughout the project lifetime through ongoing species and habitat surveys. By tracking ecological changes we can monitor improvements and adjust site management practices accordingly to enhance biodiversity and restore degraded habitats.
Adapt
Over time, we can use monitoring data to continually inform and refine our approach for future parks, based on what we learn.
Engaging potential neighbors early in the process
At BeGreen, we prioritize open and transparent communication with local communities near potential solar park locations. We engage with neighbors early-on to listen to their input and involve it in our continued work in the area.
Preparing the solar park area
We begin developing the project and enter into dialogue with the municipality, as soon as we have partnered with one or more landowners for a site. Our planning team always considers existing local elements like neighboring properties, easements, and nature to establish the best foundation for a solar park and the local community. You can read more about some of the elements below.
Protected nature
We protect and buffer all areas of legally protected nature within our parks. These protected areas include important natural habitats and landscapes identified by the Nature Protection Act. Where appropriate, we also explore opportunities to enhance these areas through planting, management, and maintenance, while working within local municipal regulations.
Other ecologically important habitats
We are committed to preserving all unprotected nature of ecological importance within our solar parks. In the early project phase, we identify and map these areas thorough species surveys, site visits, and discussions with local conservation groups. In situations where these areas border our parks, we strengthen ecological connections by creating wildlife corridors and using suitable fencing solutions to facilitate movement of local wildlife through the site.
Neighbors
We collaborate with our potential neighbors to accommodate their preferences and needs. This could involve maintaining a distance from the solar park, or how our landscaping architects can incorporate recreational areas.
Residual areas
We convert residual areas where solar panels cannot be placed due to landscape or technical restrictions into spaces for nature and biodiversity. This might be due to the size of solar modules, high-voltage power lines, or other easements. These areas, often located outside of the fencing and planting belt, may benefit wildlife and the local community.
Easements
We avoid placing solar panels in areas with gas pipelines, high-voltage power lines, or other easements that could pose a risk or require access. Instead, we use these areas for plantings that promote biodiversity, while respecting the necessary easements.
Design of the solar park
A solar park consists of many building blocks. After securing land and having identified existing local elements, we begin designing the park to position our elements in the best possible way. Our goal is to optimize the park for maximum green energy production while caring for the local environment. Below you can read about some of the building blocks that our solar parks are built of.
Ecological Planting Belts
A green planting belt of appropriately selected plants is always established around our solar parks. This helps to minimize the visual impact for our neighbors whilst also creating new habitats for local wildlife, in turn increasing local biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem services.
Enhancing onsite vegetation
We look beyond the areas designated for biodiversity enhancement in our project design to make use of every available space. Areas beneath and between the solar panels and at the corners and edges of our solar parks offer opportunities to create new habitats and support local ecosystems. By planting wildflower meadows, creating winter forage for birds, and establishing riparian vegetation near streams, we aim to transform these spaces into thriving habitats that promote biodiversity across the site.
Wildlife monitoring and management
Through site walkovers, biodiversity assessments, and ongoing species surveys, we monitor wildlife and habitats before, during, and after construction to assess the impact of the solar park on the natural environment. Based on our findings, we implement targeted measures to mitigate negative effects, enhance habitat quality, and support local biodiversity.
Placement of solar panels
The sun rises in the east, and at BeGreen, we pay close attention to the sun's movement throughout the day. Our engineers position the solar panels to be optimized for capturing as much sunlight as possible, which is then converted into green energy.
Construction of the solar park
Our construction process is carefully planned to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and safety. From infrastructure design to responsible material sourcing and traffic management, we prioritize every detail. The construction phase can take anywhere from 2-3 years depending on the size and complexity of the area. Below is an outline of the key steps involved when we construct a solar park.
Design of the infrastructure
Our tech team designs the electrical infrastructure, which includes panel wiring, inverters, transformers, and a thoroughly planned strategy for grid connections. Additionally, they plan the mechanical structure for how the solar panels will be physically installed.
Responsible sourcing of materials
Our responsible sourcing program considers social, ethical, and environmental factors in our selection and collaboration with suppliers. Our risk-based due diligence process includes online tools, questionnaires, audits, and traceability assessments to ensure that suppliers adhere to BeGreen’s guidelines on human and labor rights and the environment.
Traffic plan
A traffic management plan is developed in collaboration with the local community, to guide visitors, staff, and truck drivers along the safest and most efficient routes to the park. The goal is to protect the local environment, neighbors, and drivers while facilitating smooth traffic flow.
Park installation process
We build the solar park in collaboration with our contractors. We handle the detailed executive design, specifying every aspect of the solar park installation. Durable foundation poles are then driven into the ground to support the infrastructure. The mounting structures are assembled on these foundations, where solar panels are securely attached. Finally, the system is carefully wired together, ensuring seamless integration and optimal energy flow.
Health & Safety
The health and safety of our team and partners is a top priority. We conduct thorough risk assessments, provide safety training, and perform regular inspections to ensure compliance with relevant standards. Through extensive planning, coordination, and close collaboration with our contractors and local authorities, we aim to maintain a safe and healthy working environment throughout the construction and operation phases.
Supervision of construction
We will always have a site management team present during the construction of the solar parks to oversee the development progress according to plan, and in a safe and efficient manner. We conduct ongoing safety inspections and work closely with contractors to ensure adherence to relevant standards.
30-40 years of green electricity
Once the park is finished, 30-40 Years of operation and ownership follow, during which the electricity flows directly into your national grid. This is handled by our Operation & Management team.
Previous solar parks developed in partnership with BeGreen
Solar parks come in many shapes and sizes. Here’s a look at solar parks designed, developed and built in collaboration with BeGreen—both during the process and once they are completed.