Wijkerbroek West Solar Farm

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Challenge

Global renewable energy company Low Carbon commissioned BELECTRIC, member of Elevion Group, to construct an 8.9‑megawatt solar park which includes a designated test area of around 700 kWp. In addition to the turnkey construction of the power plant, BELECTRIC and Low Carbon are cooperating with a Dutch university, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), as well as the research institution TNO on the test area. This allows researchers to investigate how different solar park designs affect soil quality and biodiversity. Various system types are being evaluated – from vertical and tracking systems to south‑ and east‑west‑facing structures as well as elevated agrivoltaic installations. Since each configuration influences the habitat beneath the modules differently, the four‑year study aims to develop guidelines for future eco‑friendly solar parks.

Solution

BELECTRIC constructed an 8.9‑MWp solar park equipped with around 16,700 solar modules on an area of approximately 100,000 square metres. For the research effort, the partners agreed on a layout using Trina Solar N‑ and P‑type bifacial modules, with system spacing specifically adapted to the scientific objectives. During construction, BELECTRIC paid particular attention to minimising soil compaction and protecting existing vegetation. Within the framework of the “SolarEcoPlus” research programme on the test area, at least 700 kWp of bifacial panels are installed in several orientations - south, east‑west, vertical, single‑axis tracking, and elevated agrivoltaics. This approach allows researchers to determine how each configuration influences power generation, soil fertility, carbon storage, and biodiversity both above and below ground. The findings will enable the design of solar parks that generate renewable electricity while simultaneously improving ecological conditions.