94,000 solar panels Rooftop Energy can start work on the construction of a mega solar park on Bavelse Berg in Breda. BNG Bank, BOM Renewable Energy and sustainable investment institution Meewind are providing tens of millions in financing for the park, which, with 94,000 solar panels, will be one of the largest parks in the Netherlands. The financial close took place on 9 January. Panels on 'Bavelse Berg'
The solar park of over 37 MWp east of Breda will supply enough electricity for approximately 10,000 households. Rooftop Energy is responsible for the development, realisation and operation of the solar park. Enexis has now started work on the electrical connection in Breda-Noord. Construction work on the Bavelse Berg will start in the first quarter of 2020.
BNG Bank, BOM Renewable Energy and sustainable investment institution Meewind are jointly providing a credit facility of €29 million. BNG Bank is contributing €25 million of this amount. Rooftop Energy is delighted with the confidence shown in it to make this wonderful sustainable project a success. Leendert Florusse, CEO of Rooftop Energy: ‘Financing of this scale requires close cooperation between our finance & operations team and the teams of our financiers. By realising double use of space on a complex surface such as a sloping waste disposal site, we are demonstrating that, with our knowledge and experience, we can offer ground projects of this scale in addition to roofs and carports.’
The solar panels on the solar field will be installed at a height of 1 to 2.5 metres. The panels used are translucent, allowing vegetation to continue to grow underneath them. This is not only beneficial for the stability of the landfill, but also provides ecological added value. Sheep can even graze under the panels.
The park is expected to be operational by the end of 2020, when electricity production will commence. At that point, the surrounding area will also have the opportunity to purchase electricity from the Bavelse Berg solar park and participate financially in this sustainable project.