18 y/o from Romania planning a 500 kWp solar farm – EU grants cover up to 100%, need ~7k € to prepare. Looking for real advice.

Hi everyone,

I’m 18, from Romania, and I’m seriously planning to build a ~500 kWp ground-mounted solar farm to sell electricity into the grid.

I know I’m young. I know most people my age are thinking about parties or what to study. But I’ve been researching this for months, and I genuinely believe this is my best shot at building long-term passive income that can secure my future and help my family.

I’m not chasing a get-rich-quick scheme. I understand this is a real business with real risks. But I also see a rare window: EU funding is available, the money is already allocated, Romania is behind on green energy targets, and approval rates have been high. I don’t want to look back in 10 years and regret not trying when the opportunity was right in front of me.

🎯 WHY I’M DOING THIS

•               I want to build passive income for the long term (25+ years of cash flow from one investment).

•               I want to create financial security for myself and my family – we’re not wealthy, and this could change everything.

•               I believe in renewable energy – Europe is pushing hard for energy independence, and solar is the future.

•               I’m young, I have time on my side, and I’m willing to learn and work hard to make this happen.

•               If I succeed, I can reinvest and maybe build more projects. If I fail, I lose ~€7k and gain massive experience.

•               

·      🔆 THE PROJECT

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•               Capacity: ~500 kWp (around 910 panels × 550W).

•               Land: My father owns rural land. I can access ~5,000–7,000 m², possibly more (up to 2,000 m² extra if needed).

•               Terrain: The land has slopes and uneven ground – I’ll need adjusted mounting structures or some leveling work.

•               Legal setup: I’ll create a company (SRL), and my father will give the company a 25–30 year superficie right (he keeps ownership of the land, my company gets the right to build and operate the solar farm).

•               Estimated investment: ~€160,000 (around €320,000/MW) – includes panels, inverters, transformer, structures, cabling, grid connection, fencing.

•               Annual production: ~660,000 kWh/year.

•               Revenue at €0.10–0.115/kWh: ~€66,000–76,000/year gross.

•               Operating costs: ~€8,000–9,000/year.

•               Net profit (without loan): ~€55,000–67,000/year.

·      At 18, having €50k+/year passive income would be life-changing. Even at half that, it’s still incredible.

·      

·      💰 THE FUNDING STRATEGY

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·      Plan A – EU Grant (Modernisation Fund)

·      Romania has access to the Modernisation Fund for new renewable energy capacity:

•               Grants can cover up to 100% of eligible costs for solar projects under 5 MW.

•               Cost ceiling: €450,000/MW – my project is at ~€320,000/MW, well below the limit = more competitive.

•               100% grid sale is allowed – this is NOT a self-consumption-only program.

•               Budget is ALREADY allocated: Romania confirmed €1.5+ billion for green energy in 2025–2026. The Modernisation Fund has €815 million for 2024–2026.

•               Why timing matters:

•               EU target: 42.5% renewable energy by 2030.

•               Romania committed to 30–38%, but is currently at only ~25%.

•               Huge political and regulatory pressure to approve projects fast.

•               Expected program opening: May–June 2026 (based on official statements and calendar).

•               Historical approval rate: ~73% for solar projects in previous rounds.

·      Plan B – Green Bank Loan

·      If I don’t get the grant:

•               Take a green loan of ~€150,000 at 6–7% interest over 10–15 years.

•               Annual loan payment: ~€16,000–22,000/year.

•               Still profitable: ~€25,000–35,000/year net after loan payments.

•               Harder, slower, but still works.

·      📋 WHAT I NEED TO PREPARE (before the program opens)

·      To be ready to apply when the program opens, I need about €6,000–7,500 total:

•               Set up company (SRL): €100–500

•               Superficie contract with my father (notary + land registry inscription): €300–600

•               Hire EU funds consultant who will do the technical project, business plan, application, and handle permits: €4,000–5,500

•               Topographic survey of the land: €800–1,200

•               Certificates (fiscal, land registry extract, etc.): €100–200

•               Grid connection preliminary approval (ATR): €100–300

·      The consultant handles: full technical design (panel layout, electrical schema, equipment specs, detailed budget), business plan, grant application, permits (urbanism certificate, ATR, environmental notice), submission, and clarifications.

·      

·      ⚠️ MY CHALLENGE

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·      I don’t have €7,000 right now.

·      I’m working on saving (I work in Germany to accelerate this), and I might get support from family. But this is the hardest part – having the upfront cash to prepare a serious application before the program opens.

·      The math:

•               Risk: lose €6–7k if rejected.

•               Reward: get €160,000 funded + €50k+/year income for 25 years.

•               Even at 50% approval odds, this is a bet worth taking.

·      ❓ WHAT I’M ASKING YOU

·      I’m looking for real feedback from people who have built solar farms or applied for EU grants:

·      Is €320,000/MW realistic/competitive for a 500 kWp project in 2025–2026?

·      If you applied for EU grants (Modernisation Fund or similar): what did you actually pay for consultancy + technical design + permits?

·      Did anyone have the land owned by a family member with a long-term superficie/lease to the company? Any issues with grant authorities or banks?

·      If you started with very limited cash (€3–5k): what did you prioritize first?

·      What mistakes did you make that I should avoid?

·      Can you recommend serious consultants for Romanian EU funds? (DM me if you prefer)

·      Any other advice for someone my age trying to do this?

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🙏 FINAL NOTE

I’m not here to complain or ask for handouts. I’m here to learn from people who have done this.

I know I’m young. I know there’s a lot I don’t know yet. But I’m willing to put in the work, take calculated risks, and build something real.

If this works, it’s not just about me – it’s about creating stability for my family and proving that you don’t need to be rich or old to build something meaningful.

Thanks for reading. Any advice is appreciated. 🙏