Business Opportunities in Solar Energy: A Comparison between the Czech Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany

This thesis provides a comparison of the business environment for photovoltaic power plants in the Czech Republic and Germany from the perspective of a Czech investor. The main objective is to assess the economic efficiency, legislative framework, and climatic conditions that influence the return on investment and overall attractiveness of photovoltaic projects in both countries. The analysis is based on a review of academic literature, interviews with industry experts, and detailed modelling of both real and hypothetical projects. The thesis includes a point-based scoring model that quantifies the main factors affecting investor decision-making. The results show that, although climatic conditions in both countries are very similar, the stability of the legislative environment, the availability of state support, and administrative complexity play a decisive role. In the Czech Republic, it is possible to achieve a very rapid return on investment if subsidy support is obtained, but the permitting process is often complex and lengthy. In contrast, Germany offers a more predictable legal framework and more efficient administration, which reduces investment risk, even though the payback period is not always faster. The thesis provides concrete recommendations for investors and identifies the main barriers and opportunities in both markets.