In parts of Germany, solar panels are being used not just on rooftops but also as vertical structures—fences, noise barriers, and even retaining walls—serving both as physical dividers and as energy generators. This dual-purpose approach is attracting growing interest, especially as material prices like wood and brick have risen in recent years.
Several German pilot projects and commercial products are demonstrating that vertical photovoltaic (PV) systems can offer competitive advantages not only in terms of clean energy production but also in cost-efficiency over time. When energy generation is factored into total cost of ownership, these solar fences can end up being cheaper than traditional materials.
Germany’s push into this area includes highway infrastructure. For example, a feasibility study by Drees & Sommer has shown that it is both technically and economically viable to install 24 megawatts of solar panels over 30 kilometers of embankments and sound barriers on the A44n and A46 highways near the Garzweiler coal mine. Nationally, experts estimate that up to 300 gigawatts of solar potential exists along Germany’s highways alone.
Meanwhile, research efforts are underway to improve the design and deployment of such structures. Fraunhofer ISE, in collaboration with R. Kohlhauer GmbH—a specialist in noise protection walls—is testing five different ways of integrating PV into noise barriers. The project, part of the PVwins initiative, aims to assess structural stability, safety, acoustic performance, and energy yield. A key feature in the design is that PV modules are mounted starting at 1.5 meters above ground level to avoid damage from debris, snow, or vandalism.
Residential and small-scale applications are also gaining popularity. Garden-friendly solar fences such as the “ZaunPV” kits from Green Akku are marketed as plug-and-play systems. These kits can be mounted vertically in backyards, often facing east or west to capture morning and evening sunlight. Due to their upright orientation, they perform well during winter months by avoiding snow buildup and better capturing low-angle sunlight—an area where traditional rooftop panels may struggle.
Green Akku’s ZaunPV kit, for instance, includes a 335-watt module and a microinverter, with pricing starting at €416.81 (excluding taxes). The systems can be connected to home circuits using a standard Schuko plug, and generally do not require special permits, making them attractive to homeowners looking for a low-barrier entry into solar power.
For larger-scale installations, Next2Sun offers configurable solar fence systems with vertical bifacial panels designed to capture light from both sides. These are often deployed in agricultural settings or as property boundaries, and pricing tools are available online to estimate system costs based on specific project dimensions.
While these solar fences aren’t replacing all conventional building materials yet, they are gaining traction in Germany due to their ability to make better use of vertical surfaces, especially in areas where land availability is limited or expensive. The concept has also started to spread to other countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, and parts of the United States.
Germany’s use of solar fences represents a practical approach to integrating clean energy with everyday infrastructure. With ongoing pilots and commercial interest, this model could play a growing role in both urban and rural energy strategies.
