Small Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic System Above 150 kW with an Area of up to 2 ha (up to 0.5 ha in Protected Areas)
Steps in the investment process for implementing this system
For small ground-mounted PV systems with a capacity above 150 kW and an area of up to 2 ha, or up to 0.5 ha in protected areas, the investment path, in addition to obtaining a construction permit, also includes, among others, spatial planning procedures.
Step 1 – Spatial planning
In the Polish legal framework, the most important instruments are: Local Spatial Development Plans (MPZP), and in areas not covered by these plans, during the transitional period following the entry into force of the spatial planning reform (Act of 7 July 2023 amending the Act on Spatial Planning and Development and certain other acts, Journal of Laws 2023, item 1688) – Decisions on Land Development Conditions. An additional solution introduced by the reform is the Integrated Investment Plan (ZPI).
Step 2 – Obtaining grid connection conditions
Grid connection conditions are a type of document issued by the distribution or transmission system operator, specifying the technical details related to connecting the photovoltaic power plant to the grid. They also constitute the operator’s obligation to sign a grid connection agreement with the investor, under which the system will be connected to the network. Grid connection conditions, therefore, enable a “temporary reservation of capacity in the grid” for a given project.
If the generator does not conclude a grid connection agreement within 24 months from the date of receipt of the connection conditions, these conditions expire and no longer constitute an obligation to enter into the agreement.
Step 3 – Obtaining a construction permit
A construction permit is an element of the investment process that forms the basis for commencing construction works on the photovoltaic power plant. Without this decision, it is not possible to start construction works or, at a later stage, proceed to its operation.
Step 4 – Notification on completion of construction works
Photovoltaic power plants have not been classified as facilities requiring an occupancy permit. Therefore, commissioning of the photovoltaic power plant is possible after notifying the building supervision authority of the completion of construction works, provided that the authority does not raise an objection by way of a decision within 14 days from the date of delivery of the notification.
Step 5 – Entry in the register of small RES electricity generators
Entry in the register of small RES electricity generators replaces the requirement to obtain a concession decision for photovoltaic power plants with a total installed electrical capacity greater than 50 kW and not exceeding 1 MW.