The hep global Group has completed the project development phase for its largest solar project in Germany to date, a 35.7 MWp solar park named "Buckelacker" in Eppingen, near its headquarters in Guglingen. The milestone, reported via NEWMEDIAWIRE, marks the transition to construction, which is expected to conclude in the first half of 2027. The significance lies not only in the project's scale but in its integration of battery storage, demonstrating how solar developers are adapting to grid and market demands.
Spanning approximately 30 hectares, the Buckelacker solar park will generate about 38 million kilowatt-hours of solar power annually, enough to theoretically supply the yearly energy needs of roughly 10,800 households. Electricity will be fed into the regional grid via a newly constructed substation at Hohenstein. Crucially, the project includes a green energy storage system with a capacity of 20.3 MWh and an output of 10 MW. This storage component allows solar power to be temporarily stored and then discharged into the grid during periods of higher electricity prices, enhancing the economic viability of the generated electricity. Such co-location of storage with solar is increasingly seen as essential for stabilizing grids and maximizing returns as renewable penetration grows.
The project also underscores hep global's strategy of leveraging international experience in its home market. "This project is something special for us. It combines the development of a local solar project with the experience we have gained in various markets around the world," said Benjamin Brasch, Manager of Project Development for South-West Germany at hep global. "The fact that we have developed our largest German solar project to date in the immediate vicinity of our headquarters also underscores our long-term commitment to the region." This local engagement, backed by global expertise, positions the company to execute complex projects that require both technical and regulatory know-how.
Construction will be coordinated by ZaberSolar GmbH, with completion targeted for the first half of 2027. Once operational, the Buckelacker solar park will contribute significantly to regional renewable energy targets. The integration of storage not only improves grid compatibility but also hints at a broader trend: as solar projects become larger and more numerous, storage becomes a key differentiator for developers seeking to provide firm, dispatchable power. For hep global, which operates internationally with subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, Poland, the USA, Canada, and Japan, the project serves as a showcase for its capabilities. The company's focus on greenfield developments and battery energy storage systems (BESS) is reflected in this flagship German project. More details about hep global's activities can be found at www.hepsolar.com.
The implications extend beyond a single project. Germany's energy transition, or Energiewende, relies on scaling up renewables while maintaining grid stability. Projects like Buckelacker, which combine generation with storage, address both goals. They also demonstrate that solar developers are moving beyond simple power production to offer grid services, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels. As hep global moves into construction, the project will be watched as a model for future developments in Germany and beyond.
