Investments in Photovoltaic Parks Located on Non-Urban (Extravilan) Land in Romania

In the context of the energy transition and the growing interest in green energy, Romania has adopted legislative measures that facilitate investments in photovoltaic parks, including those located outside urban areas (on extravilan land).

If you're considering investing in a photovoltaic park and are seeking legal clarity, read on to understand the essential steps.

What Is Extravilan Land and Why Is It Relevant for Photovoltaic Park Development?

Extravilan land refers to land located outside the buildable perimeter of a locality, primarily designated for agricultural, energy, or industrial use according to urban and spatial planning regulations.

Many such plots, often unproductive or with low agricultural potential, are being targeted for the installation of renewable energy facilities—particularly photovoltaic panels.

Legal Framework for Photovoltaic Investments on Non-Urban Land

Since July 2022, Law no. 254/2022 introduced a key measure to support photovoltaic investments in Romania: the possibility of installing photovoltaic systems on non-urban agricultural land classified as quality class III, IV, or V.

To install a photovoltaic park on extravilan land, the following conditions must be met:

• The land must be non-urban agricultural land, classified in quality class III, IV, or V;

• Its usage category must be: arable, pasture, vineyards, or orchards;

• The surface area of the land must not exceed 50 hectares;

• The investment must involve the installation of photovoltaic panels or other renewable energy generation sources;

• A building permit and prior approval for temporary or permanent removal from the agricultural circuit need to be obtained.

  
  

✅ Do you own non-urban land and consider investing in green energy? Let’s discuss the legal implications. For more details, reach out to us at office@cristinatudor.ro.

Required Permits for Installing Photovoltaic Parks on Extravilan Land

To install a photovoltaic park on non-urban land, the investor need to obtain, among others, the following documents:

1. Urban Planning Certificate (Certificat de urbanism)

This is the first step in assessing the legal and urban planning status of the land. It specifies whether the location complies with current planning documents (PUZ – Zonal Urban Plan, PUG – General Urban Plan), and whether a new PUZ is required.

2. Other Permits and Approvals

Based on the urban planning certificate, approvals will be requested from relevant institutions (e.g., Environmental Authority, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Transport, ANRE, Agricultural Directorate, etc.), depending on the specifics of the land.

3. Building Permit

This is the final document required to commence construction. It is issued by the local authority, based on the technical documentation and all prior approvals obtained.

More details about the building permit can be found here.

Advantages of Investing in Photovoltaic Parks located on Extravilan Land

✅ Lower land acquisition costs compared to urban plots

✅ Faster permitting procedures

Conclusion

Developing photovoltaic parks on extravilan land is not only possible but is also encouraged through legislation. By complying with the requirements introduced by Law no. 254/2022 and securing the necessary permits, investors can implement viable green energy projects that contribute to energy sustainability.

📞 If you own extravilan land and are considering a photovoltaic park investment, contact us at:office@cristinatudor.ro or +40 766 706 561 for a personalized legal analysis.

We’ll help you verify whether your land meets the legal criteria and what additional permits are required for the development of your project.