SolServices Kft.: Pioneering Sustainable Solar Development in Hungary

Hungary is considered one of the leading nations in Europe for its solar power infrastructure. However, this was not the case a 6 years ago. The lack of industrial experiences and expertise, combined with the ambitious energy strategy goals, many cases resulted in negative outcomes— rushed developments, misconceptions treated as truths, groundless concerns, and inadequate solutions.

The Hungarian energy landscape experienced a significant transformation when SolServices Kft., a pioneering team in developing and licensing utility-scale solar parks, emerged as market leader. The solar power plant capacity in 2017 was only 107 MW and consisted of only small-scale PV parks. Nowadays this number exceeds the 3200 MW with the contribution of SolServices utility-scale power plants.

“With the aim to revolutionise the country’s energy sector, we adopted a comprehensive approach to encourage a climate-friendly transformation of Hungary’s energy sector while maximising ecological and social value through next-generation solar parks,” said Bijen Jalili, managing director at SolServices.

In the first four years, the company developed and licensed 1,000 MW of solar power plant capacity across Hungary, which is almost one-third of the currently operating PV power plant capacity. Spread across 14 solar park projects in eight sites nationwide, SolServices successfully sold ready-tobuild projects to domestic and international investors including the largest PV park of the CEE region with 300 MW capacity near Mezőcsát, marking a pivotal moment in its journey. The inauguration of its first self-invested solar farm, Lumen Park Szolnok, with an impressive 138 MW capacity, highlighted the company’s commitment to operational excellence. Meanwhile, the completion of its second solar park near Szászberek and the newly started construction near Mezőtúr stands as evidence of its unwavering dedication.

The First New-Generation Solar Park

Lumen Park Szolnok is the first nature-friendly, next-generation solar park in the country and the CEE region. It produces enough electricity to cover 42 percent of the total residential electricity consumption of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County. The benefits extend to climate protection as well. Thanks to the green energy generation, the solar park prevents approximately 39,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 274 hectares of oak forests each year.

To finance the project, the company secured the largest corporate green loan agreement ever—worth 28 billion forints— with UniCredit Bank on the Hungarian market.

The solar park’s implementation followed the most modern sustainability, flora, and fauna-friendly paradigms, revitalising the soil depleted by decades of agricultural production.

Lumen Park Szolnok has been a defining facility in the neighbourhood for at least 25 years, and SolServices continues to nurture close relationships with the local communities. The project serves as an essential tool for environmentally conscious energy production and attitude formation.

For example, it has the capacity to offer tailored lessons to primary and secondary school students, showcasing the technology behind photovoltaic energy production, explaining the fundamental physical and chemical processes involved, and highlighting the symbiotic relationship between electricity generation and environmental preservation.

Revolutionising Industry Standards

SolServices’ collaborative efforts led to a comprehensive guide for developing nature-friendly solar parks. This groundbreaking guide, compiled by experts from various sectors, serves as a benchmark for developing and maintaining eco-friendly solar parks, setting a new standard in environmental stewardship.

For instance, the construction of SolServices’ second proprietary solar park began in August 2022. This cutting-edge solar facility, with an installed capacity of 68 megawatts, is currently under construction adjacent to the town of Szászberek in the Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County. Every phase of the construction and licensing process for the park strictly adheres to the guidelines established for new-generation solar parks.

It features state-of-the-art 650-watt panels mounted on fixed support structures carefully placed to consider the surrounding soil conditions. The entire development took place in a previously intensively cultivated agricultural area, reflecting the approach taken in Szolnok. This project also integrates sophisticated, ecofriendly mechanisms designed to support local animal and plant life, ensuring harmonious coexistence with the environment.

A Seamless Engagement Approach for Optimal Community Engagement

SolServices pioneers’ large-scale solar development in Hungary and prioritises transparent communication and community involvement from project inception. It collaborates with national authorities, influencing guidelines and fostering international partnerships with environmental authorities.

In operational phases, the focus extends beyond technical standards to enhance biodiversity, covering site selection, vegetation cover creation, and green area management. The company implements measures to enhance biodiversity, including seeding the area with a beneficial mix, promoting local agricultural opportunities, and engaging in social initiatives.

These innovative practices minimise invasive species and reduce operating costs.

Unlike competitors, SolServices avoids chemicals, prioritising soil health for multi-purpose use over the plant’s 30- to 40-year lifespan. Controlled grazing and strategic grass-cutting seasons maintain vegetation without harm. The parks are also having unique monitoring programs, to survey and understand better the biodiversity changes within the parks, to continuously improve the nature-friendly solar park concept.

The Constant Pursuit to Revolutionise Hungary’s Solar Energy Landscape

As a company that operates on the principles of sustainability and the developmental goals of the modern domestic energy industry, SolServices understands that shifting climate patterns are reshaping our world. Based on international scientific meteorological data, 16 of the 17 warmest years on record have occurred since 2000. This concerning trend is evident in the increasing occurrences of forest fires, heatwaves, and floods. If the current rate of warming continues, projections indicate that average temperatures could rise by as much as five degrees by the end of this century. This could lead to unprecedented consequences, impacting not only the environment but also posing significant economic challenges.

Looking ahead, SolServices remains committed to scaling up solar energy utilisation in Hungary. With ambitious targets set by the National Energy Strategy for 12,000 MW of installed photovoltaic capacity in Hungary by 2030, the company will continue leading the charge in developing environmentally and nature-friendly solar parks. SolServices unique team of various professionals’ collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, including energy companies, environmental organisations, and beekeeping professionals, signify a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable clean energy solutions.

SolServices’ pioneering efforts not only revolutionise Hungary’s solar energy landscape but also set a precedent for global industry standards, demonstrating that renewable energy development can harmoniously coexist.

“Our journey embodies the convergence of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement in the renewable energy sector,” says Dr. Gábor Farkas, managing director. “As a vanguard in Hungary’s transition towards cleaner energy sources, the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and forward-thinking strategies underscores its role as a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable solar development.”