The BNetzA received a total of 170 bids for the 150MW tendering round for ground-mounted solar arrays, which ended on 15 April.

The agency told Recharge, however, that it is still working out details over price levels achieved at the auction and the total volume of bids. They will be announced in the coming days or next week.

"We have proven that a tender in the area of renewable energies can work," said Rainer Baake, state secretary at the energy ministry.