The development of Renewable Energy Sources, and especially the applications of Virtual Net Billing has increased interest in the energy utilization of farmland. Many landowners are seeking ways to leverage their properties in the context of the energy transition, but the regulatory framework and technical requirements require careful consideration.
n this article, we present the current rules for using farmland in Virtual Net Billing projects, what the key requirements are, and what opportunities exist for individuals, farmers, and businesses.
What Applies to Farmland?
If you own farmland and want to use it for installing photovoltaics through Virtual Net Billing, you should know the following:
- Just leasing the land is not enough.
The Virtual Net Billing scheme targets electricity consumers (e.g., businesses, producers, cooperatives), not individuals who simply own land.
- The farmland can be used, provided certain technical and legal conditions are met, such as:
- It must be in an area where renewable energy installations are allowed.
- It must not be designated as reforestable or protected.
- It must have clear ownership status.
- A grid connection must be technically feasible (available capacity).
- Consumers implementing such projects seek land either for their own use or via leasing agreements, typically long-term contracts (usually 25 years), to install photovoltaics to meet their energy needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Farmland & Virtual Net Billing
- Can I participate in Virtual Net Billing just because I own farmland?
No. Virtual Net Billing applies to electricity consumers who install photovoltaics in a remote location to offset their consumption. Simply owning farmland does not grant this right unless it is tied to energy consumption.
- What can I do if I have land but no business or energy consumption?
You can consider leasing your farmland to a business or cooperative looking for a location to install photovoltaics. The property must meet specific technical and legal criteria.
- Who can install photovoltaics for Virtual Net Billing?
Electricity consumers such as businesses, industries, farmers, energy communities, and municipalities he installation can be at a location different from where the consumption occurs, but there must be an energy balance.
- What conditions must the farmland meet?
- It must not be reforestable or in a Natura-protected area.
- It must have clear ownership status.
- Land use for renewable energy must be permitted.
- There must be technical feasibility for grid connection (capacity availability).
- Can I do it as a farmer for my farm?
Yes, as long as you have electricity consumption (e.g., for wells, pumping stations, or other agricultural needs), you can install photovoltaics through Virtual Net Billing on your own or leased land.
