hep global, a specialist in solar project development, has completed the development phase for its largest solar project in Germany to date. The 35.7 MWp "Buckelacker" solar park in Eppingen, near the company's headquarters in Guglingen, is now entering construction, according to a company announcement.
Spanning approximately 30 hectares, the solar park is designed to generate about 38 million kilowatt-hours of solar power per year. In theory, that output would supply the annual energy needs of roughly 10,800 households with renewable energy. The electricity will be fed into the regional power grid via a newly constructed substation at Hohenstein.
A key feature of the project is an integrated green energy storage system with a capacity of 20.3 MWh and an output of 10 MW. This storage component expands the technical applications of the solar park and increases the economic benefits of the electricity generated. The system temporarily stores solar power and feeds it into the grid during periods of higher electricity prices, allowing the project to capture more value from its output.
For hep global, the Buckelacker project represents a milestone that brings its internationally gained experience back to its home region. "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."
Construction work is now beginning and will be coordinated by ZaberSolar GmbH. hep global expects to complete construction in the first half of 2027.
The announcement matters for several reasons. At 35.7 MWp, the Buckelacker solar park is hep global's largest German project, signaling the company's continued expansion in its home market even as it operates internationally. The inclusion of battery storage is notable because it addresses a common challenge for renewable energy: intermittency. By storing solar power and selling it when prices are higher, the project can improve its economic returns and provide more stable grid support. This could serve as a model for future solar developments in Germany and elsewhere.
For the region around Eppingen, the project promises local clean energy generation and grid infrastructure investment. The new substation at Hohenstein will connect the solar park to the regional grid. Once operational, the solar park is expected to contribute significantly to renewable energy supply in the area.
hep global is an owner-managed company from Baden-Württemberg with more than 15 years of experience developing and planning renewable energy projects, mainly in Europe, Japan, and North America. Its strategic focus includes greenfield developments and the integration of battery energy storage systems. The group employs around 120 people worldwide with subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, Poland, the USA, Canada, and Japan. More information is available at www.hepsolar.com.
The successful completion of the development phase and the start of construction mark an important step for hep global, which expects to finish building the Buckelacker solar park in the first half of 2027. As Germany continues its energy transition, projects like this one that combine solar generation with storage could play a growing role in the country's renewable energy landscape.
