Goldbeck, the Europe-wide construction and service company, has initiated a collaboration with the technology company CarbonFreed to shorten the certification process for large photovoltaic (PV) systems within its own development projects. The aim of this cooperation is to accelerate the integration of these systems into the public electricity grid, thereby promoting the expansion of renewable energies in the real estate sector.
In Germany, the connection of PV systems to the public electricity grid requires specific certifications. Systems with an input capacity of 270 kilowatts or more, or an inverter capacity exceeding 500 kilowatts, require a Type B system certificate. For systems from 950 kilowatts upwards, an extended Type A system certificate is mandatory. These certificates are essential to ensure compliance with the technical requirements of grid operators and to contribute to grid stability. The process for obtaining these certificates is data and audit-intensive and often represents a time-critical factor in project implementation.
Digital Solution for Grid Connection Procedures
To optimise and accelerate the grid connection of large rooftop photovoltaic projects, Goldbeck has been cooperating with CarbonFreed since 2025. The technology company from Schleswig-Holstein has developed the AI-supported online platform “gridcert”. This platform digitalises the grid connection procedure for large solar systems and storage units, significantly speeding up processes. Marko Ibsch, Managing Director of CarbonFreed, emphasised that by integrating the digital platform into Goldbeck’s existing processes, procedures have been standardised and accelerated, reforming the lengthy certification procedures. The platform also ensures that the regulations of grid operators are always adhered to and that systems are safely integrated into the grid.
The “gridcert” platform guides CarbonFreed customers through the entire grid connection procedure by collecting project-specific information from solar or storage projects and checking it for completeness. An automated real-time check of submitted data and forms is also carried out via the AI platform. All project-specific communication is handled exclusively via “gridcert”. The data centres used by CarbonFreed are ISO 27001-certified and located in Germany, with data storage complying with GDPR and European data protection guidelines.
Andreas Harnacke, Managing Director of Goldbeck Facility Services, highlighted the relevance of photovoltaics as an integral component of current real estate projects. The rapid and secure integration of systems into the electricity grid is crucial. Through the cooperation with CarbonFreed and the use of the AI platform “gridcert”, greater transparency and speed are achieved in the grid connection process, benefiting Goldbeck’s customers. Faster commissioning of systems leads to earlier economic returns. This represents an important lever for promoting the energy transition in the real estate sector.
Joint Achievements and Outlook
Since the beginning of the cooperation in 2025, Goldbeck and CarbonFreed have already jointly realised almost 20 solar projects with a total capacity of approximately 18 megawatts. Both companies intend to further intensify their collaboration to increase the number of projects that can be completed quickly and safely.
