Aerial view of a solar park with numerous blue solar panels in parallel rows

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics is one of the driving forces of modern energy production - a technology with the potential to do much more than just generate electricity. In conjunction with other renewable energies, it becomes a dynamic component of hybrid power plants and lays the foundation for a sustainable, interconnected future.

Contact

Our photovoltaic pipeline: numbers that shape the future.

With visionary drive and clear objectives, we aim to realize numerous projects in Germany in the coming years, thereby making a significant contribution to the energy transition through our pipeline.

Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) target by 2030

215 GW

The EEG sets an ambitious framework by 2030 with 215 GW of photovoltaic capacity - a milestone for the launch into a sustainable future.

Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) target by 2040

400 GW

For 2040, the EEG sets a clear long-term goal: 400 GW of photovoltaic capacity, paving the way for a comprehensive energy transition.

The EEF Pipeline

760 MW

With our own pipeline of 760 MW, we not only demonstrate planning but also initiative – a clear innovation boost for the photovoltaic market.
Solar panels in the foreground with a meadow and forest in the background
Solar panels in the foreground with a meadow and forest in the background

Rethinking boundaries: photovoltaics for every area

Photovoltaics offer much more than just a source of energy – they create versatile opportunities, which EEF strategically uses to implement sustainable solutions locally. Whether along highways, on preferred conversion sites, on low-quality agricultural lands, or in industrial areas: Every site can be used locally for transformation. Visionary concepts like Agri-PV and peatland-PV elevate the potential of photovoltaics to a new level by linking energy production directly with agricultural use and peatland regeneration. With our hybrid parks, EEF goes even further: Photovoltaics become a part of a dynamic energy concept that integrates battery storage, thus aligning local production and consumption without requiring additional grid expansion. This forward-looking concept ensures a sustainable, regional energy supply and brings together people, industry, and the environment – for an energy-autonomous future.

Advantages at a glance

The perfect complement

Photovoltaics and wind power complement each other perfectly, together ensuring a stable, year-round energy supply. Wind power generates electricity in winter and at night, while photovoltaics reach peak levels in summer and during the day.

Efficient land use

Solar power plants transform idle and previously burdened, less productive land into valuable resources for sustainable energy production, ensuring every site is used optimally for a resilient energy supply.

Contribution to environmental & Climate protection

Utilizing the inexhaustible solar energy reduces CO₂ emissions, provides a reliable source of clean electricity, and thus makes a significant contribution to the protection of the climate and environment. At the end of their lifespan, solar panels can be recycled, thereby reclaiming valuable materials and closing the production cycle.

Secure source of revenue

Solar power plants provide communities and landowners with a predictable revenue stream through long-term lease agreements, often combined with wind power projects. Additionally, the expansion of photovoltaics, in conjunction with energy storage, increases independence from fossil fuels and reduces vulnerability – a secure investment that benefits everyone and contributes to the stability of the energy supply.

Our commitment to a sustainable energy future

Two men looking at a tablet in a cornfield at sunset, with silos in the background
Two men looking at a tablet in a cornfield at sunset, with silos in the background
Partnership approach

Strong partnerships for a sustainable region

EEF develops photovoltaic projects that go beyond energy production. Through close cooperation with local communities and regional partners, a sustainable energy landscape is created that promotes local value creation and opens new economic perspectives. By generating and using energy locally, photovoltaics becomes a central component of the regional energy transition. Together we shape a network that combines economic stability, environmental protection, and quality of life – for a sustainable region.

Learn more
Forest landscape with dense greenery and a small stream, surrounded by tall trees
Forest landscape with dense greenery and a small stream, surrounded by tall trees
Responsibility and sustainability

Energy production in harmony with the environment

In the development of photovoltaic projects, EEF specifically focuses on nature conservation and environmental protection measures. Through adapted management and grazing concepts, we create compensation areas that promote and preserve local biodiversity. With photovoltaic systems as part of a holistic environmental approach, we ensure that energy production and nature conservation are in harmony. From targeted measures for flora and fauna to sustainable land use: EEF acts responsibly and is actively committed to a livable future.

Learn more
Innovation & Research

We are advancing photovoltaics

What can modern photovoltaics really achieve? The technology is advancing rapidly and is constantly opening up new potentials with increasingly efficient solar cells, decreasing costs, and versatile applications. Thus, photovoltaics become an indispensable part of holistic energy concepts.

Agri-PV: Uniting energy and agriculture

Floating solar power plants: Energy on water

Peatland PV: Balancing energy and climate protection

Cows grazing on a green field in front of farm buildings with solar roofs
Cows of various breeds grazing on a green field with solar panels and a wind turbine in the background
Agri-PV: Uniting energy and agriculture

Agri-PV systems combine energy production with agricultural use by installing solar panels over or on fields. This technology allows for the simultaneous generation of renewable energy while still using the land for crop cultivation, thus optimizing land use.

Engineer in safety gear checking data on a laptop in front of a solar field and wind turbines at sunset
Engineer in hard hat and high visibility jacket using a tablet in front of a solar farm and wind turbines in the background at sunrise
Floating solar power plants: Energy on water

Floating photovoltaic systems utilize water bodies such as lakes or reservoirs for energy production. This technology saves valuable land resources and enhances efficiency through cooling of the modules. Floating PV systems provide an innovative solution to transform unused areas into sustainable energy sources.

Elevated solar panels over flooded grassland
Solar panels mounted on high supports over a flooded grassland
Peatland PV: Balancing energy and climate protection

Peatland PV combines renewable energy production with the restoration of peatland areas. Solar panels are installed in a way that supports regeneration without harming sensitive ecosystems. This technology links climate protection with biodiversity and creates dual value for the environment and energy future.

This is how electrical energy is generated from a PV system

Photovoltaics convert sunlight into usable energy in just a few steps. This explains the process by which solar rays are turned into electricity for households and businesses.

Project development

1

Light absorption in solar cells

The photovoltaic module captures the energy of the sun´s rays. This excites the electrons in the solar cells and lays the foundation for electricity production.

2

Generation of direct current

The movement of electrons in the solar cells generates electrical voltage. This direct current is then collected and bundled for further processing.

3

Conversion to alternating current

The generated direct current flows to the inverter, which converts it into usable alternating current. This step makes the electricity available for households and businesses.

4

Feed-in of electricity

The converted alternating current is fed into the public power grid or used directly on-site. This allows the generated electricity to be used for many different applications.

5

Monitoring and control

Intelligent systems monitor the photovoltaic system 24/7 to continuously maximize efficiency and to respond quickly and effectively to any disturbances.

Diagram of sustainable energy sources and their application in various scenarios, including wind turbines, solar panels, and hydrogen energy
Diagram of sustainable energy sources and their application in various scenarios, including wind turbines, solar panels, and hydrogen energy
Hybrid parks

Photovoltaics as a building block for sustainable energy

In hybrid power plants, photovoltaics play a central role by reliably delivering clean electricity during the day. Combined with wind power and storage technologies, energy production is optimally balanced: while wind turbines produce at night, PV ensures maximum yield in sunshine. This intelligent linkage enables consistent supply, reduces production fluctuations, and efficiently utilizes each resource.

Our projects

Innovations for a sustainable future

Coming Soon: discover our energy projects and be inspired by sustainable innovation.

Two engineers in safety helmets walking among solar panels and wind turbines, looking at a document Two engineers in safety helmets walking among solar panels and wind turbines while looking at a document