Photovoltaics and new directions in space use

PV panels along tram tracks in Kraków

The authorities of Kraków are considering an innovative project to install photovoltaic panels along tram tracks and at tram stops in Nowa Huta. The proposed section covers 13.5 km of tracks and 38 stops, including key locations such as Plac Centralny, Rondo Czyżyńskie and Kombinat.

Preliminary estimates show that installing around 900 monocrystalline panels could generate nearly 420 MWh of electricity per year — enough to power part of the tram network, stop infrastructure and even a section of the depot.

The total investment cost is estimated at around PLN 1.5 million, with projected annual savings reaching €75,000, ensuring a quick return on investment. The project supports the city’s strategy for sustainable transport and improved air quality — particularly relevant given the introduction of the Clean Transport Zone in 2026.

Solar farms on post-mining and degraded lands

Poland has over 600 km² of degraded land requiring reclamation. Increasingly, instead of redeveloping these areas for industrial or agricultural purposes, they are being used for renewable energy installations, including photovoltaic farms.

Former open-pit mines and waste storage sites are proving ideal for solar power plants — they offer large areas, proximity to power grids and limited potential for other uses. A good example is a solar farm built on the site of a former lignite mine near Konin.

In regions like Greater Poland, post-mining areas are steadily transforming into valuable hubs for renewable energy development.