Renewable Energy Boom 2026: Which Aerial Access Technology for Wind, PV and Biomass?

In 2026, over 60 percent of Germany's electricity comes from renewable sources. Wind power and photovoltaics are growing at record pace – and with them, the demand for installation, maintenance, and inspection. All of this requires one fundamental prerequisite: safe access at height. But which technology is the right choice for which type of installation?

The figures from Germany's Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) speak for themselves: in 2025 alone, Germany added 17.7 GW of new photovoltaic capacity and 5.3 GW of new wind power capacity. The share of renewable energy in public net electricity generation is set to exceed the 60 percent mark in 2026. The 2026 Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG 2026) continues to drive expansion incentives – with adjusted subsidy rates and new rules for negative exchange prices.

What often gets lost in the political debate: behind every kilowatt-hour lies work at height. Every wind turbine must be serviced regularly. Every roof subject to solar obligations needs a safe access solution. And every biogas plant must be inspected. Demand for professional aerial access technology is growing directly and proportionally with the expansion of renewable energy.

Wind turbines place the most demanding requirements on aerial access technology. Modern onshore turbines reach hub heights of 160 metres and more, with rotor blades extending up to 240 metres. This calls for specialised solutions.

Aerial Work Platforms and Lifts for Tower Work

For maintenance work on the tower – renewing coatings, repairing damage, checking cable systems – high-performance aerial work platforms with reaches of over 100 metres are used. Truck-mounted telescopic platforms provide fast access to defined work areas without elaborate climbing equipment. They are particularly efficient when several turbines within a wind farm are worked on in succession.

Rope Access Technology for Rotor Blades

For the inspection and repair of rotor blades, rope access technology is the standard. Trained rope access technicians certified by IRATA or FISAT work suspended along the blades, which can be up to 80 metres long. They can identify cracks, erosion damage, and lightning-protection defects and repair them directly on site – without a crane, without scaffolding, and with minimal time expenditure.

Rotor Blade Inspection Platforms as a Specialised Solution

For systematic inspections of larger wind farms, operators are increasingly turning to dedicated rotor blade inspection platforms. These are mechanically guided along the blade surface and enable structured documentation. Drones are also used for external inspections – but classic aerial access technology remains indispensable whenever repairs are needed.

PV installation splits into two fundamentally different deployment scenarios, each with its own requirements for access technology.

Aerial Work Platforms for Roof and Façade Installation

On pitched roofs and façades, the same regulations apply as for any other roofing work: collective protection takes precedence, and leaning ladders are prohibited as a workplace. Electric articulated telescopic platforms and trailer-mounted platforms provide fast, emission-free access – ideal for individual properties and smaller projects without the need for extensive scaffolding.

Tracked Aerial Work Platforms for Ground-Mounted Systems

Solar parks on open land present different challenges: the terrain is often uneven, access routes are limited, and the modules sit close to the ground yet remain in an area that is difficult to reach for regular vehicles. Tracked aerial work platforms with low ground pressure and strong off-road capability are the first choice here – they move safely between rows of modules and lift installers securely to working height.

Telehandlers and Crawler Cranes for Heavy Components

During the initial installation of larger ground-mounted systems, heavy inverters, transformer containers, and mounting structures must be positioned with precision. Telehandlers and crawler cranes handle the large components, while aerial work platforms provide installation support.

Biogas plants, wood-fired heating plants, and biomass power stations are less visible than wind and solar installations – but their maintenance needs are just as real. Boiler systems, flue ducts, silos, and fermenter tanks must be inspected and maintained regularly.

Depending on the size of the installation, aerial work platforms, mobile scaffolding, or rope access techniques are used. For silos and fermenters, interior inspections are often unavoidable – this calls for specialised equipment that accounts for both confined spaces and fall risks. Rope access technicians experienced in confined-space work are indispensable for such assignments.

Regardless of the type of installation, clear legal requirements apply to all work at height:

• Collective protection before personal protection – scaffolding, aerial work platforms, or edge protection take precedence over PPE

• A risk assessment is mandatory before work begins

• Qualification: FISAT Level 1–3, IRATA, SCC Dok17/18, DVS 2220 – depending on the field of application

• SN EN 13374 governs temporary edge protection systems (classes A–C)

• BG BAU and BGHM provide guidelines and practical resources for all types of energy installations

For wind turbines, the following also applies: operators are responsible for the safety of all persons who enter or climb their installations – including contractors and maintenance service providers.

The energy transition creates work – on the roof, on the tower, in the solar park, and at the biogas plant. Anyone who wants to be professionally positioned as an operator or service provider needs access to the right aerial access solutions for every use case.

Whether it's a tracked platform for the ground-mounted solar park, a telescopic platform for the wind turbine tower, or rope access technology for the rotor blade – choosing the right access technology determines the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of every project.

Get expert advice now: Our experts will find the right access solution for your installation – whether wind, solar, or biomass.

Which aerial access technology is most commonly used for wind turbines?
For tower work up to approximately 100 m, truck-mounted platforms or tower-integrated lifts are standard. For rotor blades, rope access technology certified by IRATA or FISAT is the common method – it enables work at heights of 200+ metres without heavy equipment.

Do you need a lift for ground-mounted solar parks?
Not necessarily for every task, but for initial installation and regular maintenance, tracked platforms are the most efficient solution. They are off-road capable, have low ground pressure, and don't require paved access roads.

What does it cost to use an aerial work platform for solar installations?
Trailer-mounted platforms from around CHF 100/day, truck-mounted platforms from CHF 250/day, tracked platforms from CHF 300/day – excluding transport costs in each case. For a PV maintenance project spanning 1–2 days, realistic costs range from CHF 300–1,500.

What certifications do rope access technicians need for wind turbines?
At minimum, FISAT Level 1 or IRATA Level 1, supplemented by GWO certification (Global Wind Organisation) for offshore assignments. For specific work, SCC Dok17/18, DVS 2220, and OPITO certificates are also required.

Is rope access technology safer than aerial work platforms?
Both methods are safe when applied correctly. Rope access is more flexible on hard-to-reach structures, while aerial work platforms offer a more stable workplace. The risk assessment determines which method is permitted and appropriate for the specific task.

How does the EEG 2026 affect demand for maintenance services?
Due to the sharp increase in the number of installed systems (2025 alone: 17.7 GW PV, 5.3 GW wind), the maintenance backlog is growing. Installations from the boom years 2020–2025 are now entering their service cycle – meaning massively increasing demand for maintenance and inspection services through 2030.