Workers marked the exact placement of each solar panel on April 23, 2026, as construction began on the largest solar park in the Fulda district. The groundbreaking ceremony in Eichenzell launched the Wettersbach solar park project, which will span 122,000 square meters along the A7 highway between Welkers and Rothemann.
Upon completion in October 2026, the facility will host approximately 31,000 photovoltaic modules, generating enough electricity to power around 6,000 households. This output represents a 25 percent increase over the previous record holder, the SonnenScheinStrom solar park at the A66/A7 interchange.
The project requires 8.2 million euros in investment
RhönSolar Rothemann GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between RhönEnergie Erneuerbare GmbH and FW Holding GmbH, will finance and operate the solar park. Local landowners retain minor ownership stakes in the development.
TEAG Solar from Erfurt has been contracted to handle the construction work. The total investment amounts to 8.2 million euros, equivalent to approximately $8.9 million USD at current exchange rates.
Regional officials frame the park as a step toward energy independence
Martin Heun, spokesperson for RhönEnergie Gruppe’s management, stated the groundbreaking sets a clear signal that the energy transition is being actively shaped in the region. He described the project as the most ambitious ground-mounted photovoltaic initiative in the company’s history.
Stefan Fella, managing director of RhönEnergie Erneuerbare GmbH, called the groundbreaking a significant step for green power generation. Fulda district administrator Bernd Woide (CDU) and Eichenzell mayor Johannes Rothmund (CDU) emphasized renewable energy’s role in securing the region’s future resilience.
This builds on earlier solar expansion in the area
The Wettersbach park follows the 2023 completion of the SonnenScheinStrom facility, which had previously held the title of largest solar installation in the Fulda district. That earlier project also utilized highway-adjacent land and was developed through a public-private partnership model.
How many households will the new solar park power?
The solar park will generate electricity for approximately 6,000 households upon completion.
When is the solar park expected to be finished?
Construction is scheduled for completion by October 2026.
