immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Photovoltaikanlage

  • Solar folding roof technology sets course for the German market

    Solar folding roof technology sets course for the German market

    According to a press release, dhp Technology AG has founded a subsidiary in Stuttgart, Germany. The provider of the “globally unique solar folding roof” is thus emphasising its ambition to drive forward the energy transition with innovative photovoltaic solutions in Germany too, the press release continues. With the establishment of dhp Technology Deutschland GmbH, the company is laying the foundations for a long-term presence in the German market.

    “The expansion into Germany is a logical consequence of the sharp rise in demand for our innovative photovoltaic solution,” said co-founder and CEO Gian Andri Diem. In Germany, the market potential for solar folding roofs is huge, particularly with regard to sewage treatment plants, car parks and logistics areas.

    The branch in Stuttgart is managed by Gian Andri Diem, CEO of dhp Technology, and Torsten Brandstetter as Managing Director. Brandstetter is an industrial engineer with experience in the energy industry and technological innovation.

    dhp Technology is a developer and supplier of solar folding roofs. These are specially designed for installation over sealed surfaces and existing infrastructures. Depending on the weather, they fold up or down automatically. This enables communities and companies to produce electricity locally and sustainably without taking up additional ground space.

    Solar folding roofs from dhp Technology are already in operation at three German sewage treatment plants. A further ten systems are in the implementation phase and are due to be connected to the grid this year, according to the company press release.

  • Advanced logistics solution: opening of the new centre in Möhlin

    Advanced logistics solution: opening of the new centre in Möhlin

    Rhenus Logistics AG will open its new Swiss logistics centre in Möhlin in January after a construction period of one and a half years. According to a press release, this will comprise a total of 30,000 storage spaces on a total area of 2,000 square metres.

    The logistics centre will be operated by around 80 employees working with 30 P40 robots from Chinese manufacturer Geek and seven RoboShuttles. This collaboration should enable time savings of 70 per cent. The building will also have special storage rooms for temperature-controlled goods and the storage of hazardous materials, for example.

    Power will be supplied by a photovoltaic system on the roof. This is expected to generate 1 million kilowatt hours per year.

    “Our new logistics centre in Möhlin is an impressive example of what modern logistics looks like: more automation and increased efficiency while simultaneously promoting jobs, sustainability goals and quality standards,” said Andreas Stöckli, CEO of Rhenus Alpina and a member of the Rhenus Group’s Management Board, in the press release.

    The Rhenus Group, which has its headquarters in Holzwickede in North Rhine-Westphalia and its Swiss headquarters in Basel, has a presence at 1,320 sites in more than 70 countries and generates an annual turnover of EUR 7.5 billion.

  • Energy contract signed for sustainable neighbourhood in Romont

    Energy contract signed for sustainable neighbourhood in Romont

    Granges-Paccot-based energy supplier Groupe E and KAAB have signed an energy contract for the La Maillarde neighbourhood in Romont. According to a press release, the 40-year contract covers the supply and utilisation of internal waste heat, the provision of a microgrid infrastructure and the installation of solar modules. Groupe E will supply energy to the site on behalf of KAAB, which will ensure the operation, maintenance and financing of the systems.

    Heat is supplied via the district heating network of the municipality of Romont. The network managed by Groupe E is mainly fuelled by wood chips from local forestry and waste heat from the roasting systems at the Nespresso plant. A gas-fuelled auxiliary heating system is provided for long periods of cold weather.

    The electrical system is controlled by the neighbourhood’s own microgrid. This is fed by a photovoltaic system with an output of one megawatt. It generates around one gigawatt hour of electricity per year.

    The La Maillarde neighbourhood, which is owned by KAAB, was used by the multinational company Tetra Pak until 2016. From 2025, watch manufacturer Rolex will set up shop there, creating around 250 new jobs in the region. The final La Maillarde project envisages an area of 40,000 square metres. Currently, 19,000 square metres are in use.

  • Purchasing organisation generates its own electricity in St.Gallen

    Purchasing organisation generates its own electricity in St.Gallen

    The purchasing organisation of the Swiss automotive and motor vehicle industry(ESA) has completed its own power supply network with a third system, according to a press release. On Thursday, 15 August, a photovoltaic system was put into operation at the ESA site in St.Gallen. ESA launched the first two systems at its headquarters in Burgdorf four months ago and in Giubiasco a month ago.

    With around 1,800 modules and around 3,500 square metres, the photovoltaic system in St.Gallen is currently ESA’s second-largest system. The amount of electricity generated in future will roughly cover the annual consumption of 150 households. The plant in Burgdorf covers 200 households, the one in Giubiasco around 25 households.

    The ESA purchasing organisation was founded in 1930. As a co-operative, it is owned by around 7000 co-owners from the automotive and motor vehicle industry. Around 670 employees, including around 60 apprentices, work at eleven locations throughout Switzerland.

  • Helion realizes major solar project at Tensol Rail

    Helion realizes major solar project at Tensol Rail

    Tensol Rail SA has put a photovoltaic system with 3082.18 kilowatt peak into operation. It was installed by the Cham-based company Helion, which describes itself as the Swiss market leader for photovoltaics, heat pumps, electricity storage and charging stations for electric cars. The order was placed by Energie Pool Schweiz(EPS).

    According to a statement from Helion, this installation is both one of the company’s largest projects and one of the largest in the region. A total of 8111 modules and 18 inverters were installed on two different transformer stations. This will reportedly save 350 tons of CO2 emissions per year. All of the electricity generated by the photovoltaic system on the roof of Tensol Rail is used for internal production.

    The management of the Ticino-based manufacturer of railroad superstructure materials and racks for rack-and-pinion railroads reportedly decided to make this extensive investment because the significant increase in energy prices in 2023 has had a negative impact on business results. CEO Roberto Ballina is convinced that the new plant will soon show results, “certainly thanks to the excellent work of Helion and our partner EPS. We are very happy to have invested in this project, which we hope will offer us a promising perspective for the future.”

  • University of St.Gallen installs new photovoltaic system

    University of St.Gallen installs new photovoltaic system

    The University of St.Gallen(HSG ) will be installing another photovoltaic system this summer. According to a press release, the new system will be installed on the roofs of the Alumni House and the Hans Ulrich Auditorium on the grounds of the Holzweid Continuing Education Center(WBZ). With this new installation, the HSG is underlining its efforts to achieve net-zero climate neutrality by 2030, according to the press release.

    The plant will be financed, built and operated by St.Galler Stadtwerke (sgsw). It is expected to generate an annual output of 83,000 kilowatt hours, which, according to HSG, corresponds to the annual requirements of 20 single-family homes. The roof areas used were determined by HSG students in a Master’s project and examined for their suitability.

    “We are delighted that the plant can be realized after a long period of planning,” Michael Domeisen, Managing Director of the HSG Foundation, one of the owners of the WBZ buildings, is quoted as saying in the press release. “It is important that as many of us as possible make a contribution to sustainable electricity production. The roofs are ideally suited for the construction and operation of a photovoltaic system.”

  • SAK and Tisca put photovoltaic system into operation

    SAK and Tisca put photovoltaic system into operation

    St.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG(SAK) from St.Gallen and the textile manufacturer Tisca from Bühler AR have put a large photovoltaic system into operation. According to a press release, SAK has installed solar panels covering an area of 4,250 square metres on the reconstructed roofs of the Tisca production halls at the Urnäsch site. The construction and maintenance of the solar system was free of charge for Tisca, but the company is tied to the refinancing with a photovoltaic contracting agreement. Tisca receives solar power from the electrical energy produced on its own property at a fixed price. Both companies are contributing to the implementation of Energy Strategy 2050.

    “With photovoltaic contracting, a commercial or industrial building owner makes their roof available for photovoltaic expansion. SAK finances and is responsible for the planning, construction and maintenance,” Ralph Egeter, Head of Project Development at SAK, is quoted as saying in the press release. “Once the project is completed, the companies can use the solar power produced by the system for their own consumption at a fixed price. As compensation for the use of the roof, the companies receive a defined amount of solar energy at zero cost, depending on the size of the system. With this commitment, we are giving trade and industry a simple and cost-effective opportunity to invest in the energy future of Eastern Switzerland.”

    SAK has installed a total of three photovoltaic systems at Tisca. The one now in operation is currently the largest in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.

  • Inauguration of a photovoltaic system at Limeco

    Inauguration of a photovoltaic system at Limeco

    According to a press release, the Limmattaler Regiowerk Limeco, based in Dietikon, has inaugurated a photovoltaic system on the roof of the wastewater treatment plant(ARA). According to the company, 624 solar panels with a capacity of 265.2 kilowatts peak generate as much solar power as 70 households with an annual consumption of 3,600 kilowatt hours.

    On an area of 1220 square metres, 252,000 kilowatt hours of green electricity are to be produced, primarily for the ARA’s own requirements and the waste recycling plant. Any surplus energy will be fed into the public grid and made available to the general public.

    The aim is to promote the expansion of renewable energy supply. Limeco plans to convert the supply of the entire Limmat Valley to CO2-neutral energy sources by 2050.

  • Pistor’s growth requires larger buildings

    Pistor’s growth requires larger buildings

    Pistor has expanded the WUZ West goods handling centre in Rothenburg. According to a press release, the investment for the fully automated replenishment warehouse amounts to CHF 34 million. The building now has space for 22,000 pallets, 7,000 more than before.

    According to Pistor, a solar system on the roof will supply enough electricity to power 66 households each year. “We have also installed a large underground storage system that allows us to heat the site with our own summer waste heat in winter and minimise CO2 emissions,” says business performance member and logistics manager Richard Betschart. Pistor is also reportedly expanding the number of electric lorries.

    With the expansion measures, the catering wholesaler and service provider is reportedly responding to the continuously increasing demand. In addition to its core business of supplying bakeries and patisseries, the company also supplies catering and healthcare businesses such as hospitals and retirement homes.

    However, Pistor says that the big leap is still to come: the company is planning new office, warehouse, goods handling and distribution space at its headquarters in Rothenburg, covering an area the size of four football pitches, by 2030. In addition, the ground-breaking ceremony for a distribution centre in Sennwald SG will take place this year. The aim is to supply eastern Switzerland even better from this centre.

  • Solar folding roof a milestone for Appenzell I.Rh

    Solar folding roof a milestone for Appenzell I.Rh

    At the recent open day of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Appenzell I.Rh., the latest project – an ingenious solar folding roof – attracted around 200 interested visitors. This innovative system demonstrates the combination of energy efficiency and environmental protection by covering 80% of the ARA’s energy requirements and minimising the formation of algae in the clarifiers.

    In his speech, Ruedi Ulmann, the client of the project, emphasised the importance of the project for the regional energy and climate strategy and highlighted the support of the Grand Council. The solar folding roof, whose design both optimises technical operation and reduces the environmental impact, was blessed by the parish priest Lukas Hidber.

    The solar folding roof impresses with its lightweight construction, which allows unrestricted access to the system and protects it from the weather thanks to intelligent control software. The resulting longer service life of the modules and the reduction in algae growth lead to a reduction in operating costs. The innovative use of solar and biogas technologies at the Appenzell I.Rh. wastewater treatment plant is a pioneering example of the effective utilisation of renewable energies at municipal facilities.

  • Integration of photovoltaics in building façades

    Integration of photovoltaics in building façades

    The German government has set itself the goal of drastically increasing the share of solar energy in energy consumption by 2030, which is only possible by utilising innovative technologies and tapping into new PV potential. A key element of this strategy is the effective utilisation of building façades for photovoltaics. Despite the obvious benefits, the potential of façade PV has so far remained largely untapped, mainly due to the challenges of cost, complexity and aesthetics.

    To overcome these hurdles, the Center project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, brings together the expertise of leading industrial companies and research centres. The aim is to develop practicable and cost-efficient standard solutions for the integration of photovoltaic systems into building envelopes. This initiative promises to remove the technical and economic barriers that stand in the way of the widespread use of façade PV.

    Successful examples of the integration of PV into building façades, such as the town hall in Freiburg and the OWP 12 office building in Stuttgart, already demonstrate the potential of this technology. These projects demonstrate that PV elements not only contribute to electricity generation, but can also offer other benefits such as sound insulation, weather protection and climate regulation within the buildings.

    The centre aims to deliver ground-breaking results within the next two years and plans to publish its findings in the form of a VDI guideline. This should promote the use of building-integrated photovoltaics and make a significant contribution to achieving the German government’s climate targets. The participation of experts from all areas of the solar industry and the construction sector underlines the holistic approach of the project, which aims to accelerate the solarisation of the building envelope and thus take a decisive step towards a more sustainable future.

  • AMAG commissions second solar plant in Zuchwil

    AMAG commissions second solar plant in Zuchwil

    In mid-December, the AMAG Group commissioned a photovoltaic system with a peak output of 153 kilowatts at its site in Zuchwil, the Group, which is primarily active in the automotive trade, announced in a press release. By 2025, AMAG plans to equip around 75,000 square metres of space on AMAG premises with solar panels. This would enable the Group to cover over a fifth of its electricity requirements from its own production.

    The 369 solar panels now installed in Zuchwil are already the Group’s second system at the Solothurn site. A similarly large system had already been put into operation at the end of June. “Our first photovoltaic system has already proved very successful and fulfils our expectations,” said Raphael Biberstein, Managing Director of AMAG Solothurn, in the press release. “It fills us with pride to be able to generate the electricity we need ourselves with these two systems.”

    The AMAG Group has already installed further photovoltaic systems in Basel, Wettswil ZH, Lupfig AG, Chur, Baden AG, EtoyVD, Oftringen AG, Buchrain LU, Winterthur, Maienfeld GR, Cham, Noville VD, La Tour-de-Trême FR, Châtelaine GE, Lengwil TG and Lugano. They cover a total area of around 34,000 square metres.

  • Lake Thun WWTP clarifier gets solar roof

    Lake Thun WWTP clarifier gets solar roof

    ARA Thunersee will also generate solar power in future. As decided by the delegates of the municipal association on 1 November, a solar folding roof is to be installed on the roof of the wastewater treatment basin. They decided to invest 12.4 million Swiss francs in the project, according to a press release. This should be amortised within 17 years.

    The folding roof from the manufacturer dhp technology, based in Zizers, will have a solar module surface area of 23,000 square metres. This will make it the largest photovoltaic system at a Swiss wastewater treatment plant and one of the largest in the canton of Bern. It will have an output of 3,000 kilowatts peak and generate 3 gigawatt hours of electricity per year.

    In addition, ARA Thunersee already produces 13 gigawatt hours of biomethane per year and feeds this into the natural gas grid of Energie Thun AG.

  • Transitional document provides planning security for solar façades

    Transitional document provides planning security for solar façades

    Swissolar wants to create planning security for planning offices and building owners for photovoltaic (PV) installations on façades. As a first step, the association of the Swiss solar energy industry is presenting a transitional document for this purpose. The document “Planning and fire protection certification of rear-ventilated PV façades” was developed in collaboration with the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers(VKF), the Bern and Zurich building insurance companies and a number of photovoltaic and fire protection experts, Swissolar explains in a press release.

    The transitional document shows the conditions under which solar façades can be installed for mid-rise and high-rise buildings without a property-specific fire test. Swissolar explains that an argumentative verification procedure is now being used. It incorporates empirical values that could be derived from previous fire tests.

    This interim document is intended to create planning certainty for solar façades until a state of the art paper (STP) is available. Swissolar intends to develop such an STP by autumn 2024 together with photovoltaic and fire protection experts and in consultation with the VKF.

  • Solar industry wants to reuse used photovoltaics

    Solar industry wants to reuse used photovoltaics

    SENS eRecycling, the industry association Swissolar and the Biel-based Department of Engineering & Information Technology at Bern University of Applied Sciences are working with other partners to promote the circular economy in the solar industry. As part of the Swiss PV Circle project, they want to extend the lifespan of photovoltaics by creating business models for the reuse of used modules, according to a press release.

    The project is based on the observation that photovoltaic modules still have 90 per cent of their original output even after 20 years. Nevertheless, they are often discarded because they are either damaged or the operators want to upgrade to more powerful models.

    The partners want to collect data on the modules used in Switzerland and make this available to all stakeholders via a digital platform. The development of business models also involves ensuring an infrastructure for the dismantling, storage and testing of used modules, including their labelling. It should also be possible to track the modules throughout their entire service life.

    The module manufacturers Meyer Burger Technology and 3S Swiss Solar Solutions in Thun, Helion Energy in Cham ZG as an installer and operator of systems, the energy supplier CKW as well as KWB Planreal in Widnau SG and Reiling PV-Recyling GmbH & Co. KG from Münster in North Rhine-Westphalia, two specialists in the recycling of photovoltaic systems, are also participating in Swiss PV Circle.

  • Trunz nimmt Solaranlage auf seinem Dach in Betrieb

    Trunz nimmt Solaranlage auf seinem Dach in Betrieb

    Die Trunz Holding AG hat am 18. Oktober ihre neue Solaranlage auf dem Dach des Trunz Technologie Centers in Steinach in Betrieb genommen. Ihre 2660 Photovoltaikmodule haben laut einer Mitteilung insgesamt eine Fläche von 8000 Quadratmetern. Die Module bestehen aus bifacialen Zellen und sind damit auch für die Stromproduktion bei diffusem Licht geeignet.

    Die Anlage hat eine Leistung von 1,1 Megawatt peak und soll pro Jahr 1,1 Millionen Kilowattstunden Strom erzeugen. Davon sind 750‘000 Kilowattstunden für den Eigenverbrauch vorgesehen. Das entspricht rund einem Drittel des Stromverbrauchs von Trunz in Steinach. Der übrige Strom wird in das Netz der Elektra Steinach eingespeist. Die Anlage wurde von Solar21 mit Sitz in Zürich installiert.

    An der Einweihung der Anlage haben auch die St.Galler FDP-Nationalrätin Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher und der Mitte-Ständerat Benedikt Würth teilgenommen.

  • EWD and Swisspower plan alpine solar plant in the Persenn area

    EWD and Swisspower plan alpine solar plant in the Persenn area

    EWD Elektrizität Davos is investing in domestic electricity production with the planned construction of an alpine solar plant in the Parsenn region. This should lead to more independence from electricity imports, according to a media release.

    The municipality of Davos and the municipal utility alliance Swisspower are participating in the planning. Other supporters are Energie Wasser Bern and the Basel energy supplier IWB, as well as Energie Thun AG. The annual production in full operation is estimated at 10 gigawatt hours, which corresponds to the electricity needs of 3000 four-person households.

    Totalp in the Parsenn area was chosen as the location for the photovoltaic plant. Due to its location in a skiing area with an existing mountain railway infrastructure, the site is well connected. The plans were made with consideration for valuable cultural and pasture land in the ski region. Electricity production in the immediate vicinity of consumers, chairlifts and gondolas reduces transport losses. In addition, the plant is shielded on the valley side, so that “no reflections or adverse effects on the population” are to be expected. Even before the power shortage, the sustainable energy future through photovoltaic systems in the mountains was a topic in Davos. Compared to the Central Plateau, the region benefits from many hours of sunshine, even in winter.

    Following the approval of the Davos government, the project will be debated in the Davos parliament at the beginning of November. Afterwards, the population will vote. If the referendum is positive, construction work is to begin in 2024. The goal is to put the first parts of the plant into operation by December 2025.

  • Zurich brickworks put first photovoltaic system into operation

    Zurich brickworks put first photovoltaic system into operation

    The Zurich brickworks recently started producing the first quarter of its total planned photovoltaic output. As the Regensdorf-based company reports on LinkedIn, this means that around 680 kilowatt peaks are connected to the grid: “Thanks to this first phase, we are already generating clean energy.”

    It is produced on two large roof surfaces that are completely covered with solar panels. An attached video shows in fast motion “how hard we have worked on our heart’s project over the last few months”. The company is “overwhelmed by the interest” it has received so far and thanks everyone for the positive feedback, “which spurs us on”. Now the remaining part of the roof surfaces will also be equipped with solar panels.

    The Zurich brickworks are now once again in Swiss hands as part of the swisspor Group. Before that, they were owned for more than 20 years by the Wienerberger Group, one of the largest brick producers in the world, based in Vienna. The company has existed as Zürcher Ziegeleien since 1912.

  • Solar plant investment attracts a lot of interest

    Solar plant investment attracts a lot of interest

    The population of Frauenfeld is showing great interest in participating in large solar power plants. According to the municipal energy supplier Thurplus , it was able to sell all shares in a new photovoltaic plant planned for the roof of Keller-Stahl AG within just over a month.

    The plant consists of 300 modules on an area of 700 square metres. It has a capacity of 140 kilowatts/peak and is expected to generate 140,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Two years ago, a similar plant was built on the roof of Keller-Stahl, which was also financed by private investors.

    The new plant is Thurplus‘ seventh investment plant. These have a total area of 3500 square metres and a capacity of 690 kilowatt/peak. Thurplus customers can participate in solar power plants for as little as 300 Swiss francs. In return, they receive 100 kilowatt hours of electricity per square metre of solar area per year for 20 years.

    Thurplus CEO Reto Lüthy sees the active participation of the city’s residents as confirmation of the company’s strategy. “For them, we are the key player in achieving the local energy turnaround,” he is quoted as saying in the press release. Thurplus is now looking for other solar projects that can be realised through the participation model.

  • Consortium brings solar folding roofs to motorway rest areas

    Consortium brings solar folding roofs to motorway rest areas

    The electricity producer Aventron from Münchenstein, BG Ingenieure und Berater from Lausanne, Cargo sous terrain(CST) from Basel and dhp technology from Zizers have founded the consortium ABCD-Horizon to install photovoltaic systems along motorways.

    According to a media release, innovative photovoltaic systems will generate electricity at 45 motorway rest areas “in French-speaking Switzerland and the cantons of Valais and Bern”. This electricity will primarily be used for charging infrastructure along the motorways. The total output of the systems is said to be up to 35 megawatts. This amount could supply around 7800 households with an average annual electricity consumption of 4500 kilowatt hours.

    The impetus for solar power production on unused areas of motorway service areas and noise barriers came from the Federal Roads Office(FEDRO), according to the press release. In a national tender, the Horizon folding solar roof from dhb Technology was awarded the contract for all motorway service stations in the French-speaking region of Switzerland and in the cantons of Valais and Bern.

    The energy generated will reportedly be stored in existing charging points and batteries. The buyers of the surplus electricity are Aventron’s three main shareholders: Primeo Energie, Stadtwerke Winterthur and ewb, as well as CST, which also belongs to ABCD-Horizon.

    According to the company, the Horizon folding solar roof is characterised by “an aesthetic lightweight construction with a rope-based support structure concept and a patented folding mechanism”. This allows for wide column spacing and great heights of up to 6 metres above the ground. It also has a weather algorithm so that energy can be generated even in winter. The construction phase is planned from 2024 to 2027.

  • Schlieren continues to make progress with solar expansion

    Schlieren continues to make progress with solar expansion

    According to its press release, the city of Schlieren is taking another step towards sustainable energy supply and mobility: by the end of August, it will have put six new charging stations for electric vehicles into operation, as well as the largest municipal photovoltaic system at the IJZ Innovation and Young Entrepreneurs Centre on Rütistrasse.

    Each of its 1278 latest-generation modules has an output of 425 watts peak. The solar power generated is not only fed into the grid, but is also used for self-consumption: “The project at the IJZ exemplifies the progress in the energy turnaround, to which we attach great importance in this and many other projects,” Dr. Martin Nicklas, who heads energy contracting at the Canton of Zurich’s electricity utility(EKZ), is quoted as saying. This is because the solar power produced there is used to supply the IJZ and the commercial businesses located there as well as the surrounding flats. “This means that the PV electricity is produced and used at the same location – you can’t get more local than that.”

    Schlieren wants to set a positive example, especially in view of the solar targets that have so far been missed in the canton. The city is pushing the expansion of solar energy on its own municipal properties, especially on flat roofs, says Albert Schweizer, Head of Real Estate and Location Promotion at the City of Schlieren. “Our own municipal authorities, as well as the protection of historical monuments and our grid provider EKZ, provide us with significant support in promoting solar energy

  • Canton Zurich identifies untapped potential for solar power

    Canton Zurich identifies untapped potential for solar power

    Falling prices for solar installations have fuelled the construction of new photovoltaic systems in the canton of Zurich, as an analysis by the cantonal statistics office shows. According to this, there were at least 12,600 active photovoltaic systems in the canton at the end of 2021. Almost all of them were installed after 2010, according to the data. They produced about 0.3 terawatt hours of solar electricity per year, which is roughly equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.

    Despite the increase in installations, the analysis finds that there is still a great deal of untapped potential for solar power. About half of all Zurich systems are installed on single-family homes. There is still a need to catch up with multi-family houses and buildings that are not used for residential purposes. The latter also offer space for larger systems with a higher installed capacity.

    The analysis identifies further potential in new buildings. When the new cantonal energy law comes into force in September 2022, all new buildings will have to contribute to covering their electricity demand. It can therefore be assumed that new systems will be installed in the coming years.

    The Canton of Zurich wants to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 – or by 2050 at the latest. Accordingly, according to its own information, it attaches great importance to the use of the existing potential for renewable electricity production. ce/ssp

  • Project partners present alpine solar project ScuolSolar

    Project partners present alpine solar project ScuolSolar

    The project partners for the alpine photovoltaic system in the Scuol Motta Naluns ski area want to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the Solar Express initiated by the federal government. For this reason, the municipality of Scuol and its civic community, together with EE Energia Eng iadina and Engadiner Kraftwerke AG from Zernez, are presenting their plans for the area surrounding these ski area facilities, more precisely in the Salaniva area. The public information event took place on 25 July.

    The plant is to be used in particular for the production of renewable winter electricity. According to a media release, existing infrastructure will be used to a large extent for the transmission of the energy. Grazing on the land will continue to be possible.

    The project partners have developed their plan within the framework of a project planning company in which all parties have a one-third share. According to the information provided, this shareholding and participation relationship will also apply to the further planning steps. Ultimately, ScuolSolar AG is to be formed. After the necessary approval of the population, the partners want to further develop “this important pioneering project for the Lower Engadine” with experts, then implement and finally operate it.

  • Lista puts photovoltaic system into operation

    Lista puts photovoltaic system into operation

    With an area of 15,000 square metres, Lista AG ‘s new photovoltaic plant is the largest in the canton of Thurgau, according to a media release. A total of 4600 modules on the roofs of the company’s production halls will produce 2 gigawatt hours of electricity annually. This is to cover one third of the company’s own needs. In addition, the supplier of operating and storage facilities will also feed 800,000 kilowatt hours into the grid.

    Lista AG has set itself the goal of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2025. On the one hand, the new photovoltaic system contributes to this. And on the other hand, the company from the St.Gallen-Lake Constance area is continuously optimising its energy efficiency. To this end, modern production lines and compressors are being installed. But the use of LED lighting technology also contributes to achieving the goal. Lista thus shows that “ecological responsibility and economic success can be reconciled”, according to the press release.

  • AMAG also installs solar plant in Cham

    AMAG also installs solar plant in Cham

    AMAG Zug now also has a photovoltaic system (PVA). On 1301 square metres, 667 solar modules are expected to produce 263,040 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. According to a media release, this will be used on site for the car dealer’s own needs. Another PVA each is planned on the roof of AMAG Zug’s VW showroom and on the public AMAG car park in Cham, it said.

    In the past two years, PVA has already been installed on roofs of AMAG operations, including in Basel, Wettswil ZH, Lupfig AG, Chur, Baden AG, Etoy VD, Oftringen AG, Buchrain LU, Winterthur and Maienfeld GR. “We are proud that we are now also one of the companies within the AMAG family that have a photovoltaic system and can thus produce a large proportion of the electricity we use ourselves,” CEO Herbert Sommerhalder is quoted as saying.

    By 2025, the AMAG Group will have equipped a total of around 75,000 square metres of its roof area with solar panels as part of its sustainability and climate strategy. This corresponds to an area of around ten football pitches. According to the information provided, this will enable the company to produce more than 20 percent of its current electricity consumption itself.

  • Energie 360° begins renovation of its headquarters

    Energie 360° begins renovation of its headquarters

    Energie 360° can begin the conversion of its headquarters in Zurich Altstetten. The energy provider, which is majority-owned by the city of Zurich, is investing almost 28 million Swiss francs in the redesign and expansion of its offices into an open office landscape, the construction of a large-scale photovoltaic system and the optimisation of the building services, according to a media release.

    According to the release, Energie 360° received the building permit in January. The construction site can now be set up from the end of March. The renovation work should be completed by late autumn 2024. In the meantime, the employees will move their workplaces to a temporary headquarters in Zurich Altstetten.

    The building is already fully supplied with renewable energy and is energy-optimised. In the course of the conversion, it will receive additional solar panels designed by Jessenvollenweider Architektur from Basel. The office is reportedly a pioneer in the field of photovoltaic systems. In future, the modules will produce around half of Energie 360°’s electricity requirements.

    “The additional photovoltaic systems on the façade and the extension on the roof turn the headquarters into a green power plant with an exemplary function and a strong external impact,” Jörg Wild, CEO of Energie 360°, is quoted as saying in the media release.

    The company wants to offer its customers exclusively renewable energy by 2040. As a sustainable energy and mobility service provider, it therefore also has its own energy consumption in mind.

  • AMAG produces more solar power

    AMAG produces more solar power

    The AMAG Group has further expanded its solar power capacity: It has commissioned a new photovoltaic system on the roof of its garage operations in Cham. The 312 solar modules produce around 138,000 kilowatt hours of electricity on just under 570 square meters. According to a media release, this will cover a maximum of 30 percent of the company’s own electricity needs.

    The automotive retailer wants to increasingly produce its own electricity. It is to be used for personal use in the garages and for the operation of the electric vehicles sold. Therefore, according to the data, about 75,000 square meters will be equipped with solar panels by 2025. This corresponds to an area of ten football fields. Further expansion potential of around 100,000 square meters is still being investigated. From 2025, the company aims to operate in a climate-neutral manner.

    In addition, the roofs of AMAG Chur will be thermally insulated and fitted with translucent domes. “Thanks to the natural light, we save some of the costly and electricity-intensive lighting,” the managing director of AMAG Chur, Jan Giger, is quoted as saying. “Insulation helps lower energy costs and reduce gas consumption for heating.”

  • 40 years on the grid – Europe's first photovoltaic system in Switzerland

    40 years on the grid – Europe's first photovoltaic system in Switzerland

    Ticino Solare was installed on the roof of a technical college building near Lugano. On May 13, 1982, the south-facing facility supplied power to the grid. The installed power: 10 kWp. That was unusual at the time. Later the panels were transferred to another building.

    The condition, quality, color and performance of the solar cells were regularly checked and measured. An investigation after 35 years of operation came to the conclusion that the cells are showing signs of wear – keywords are corrosion, burned areas (hot spots), cracks in the cells or defective connection cables. But: The majority of the modules still worked well and still delivered at least 80 percent of the power overall. Manufacturers of solar panels usually guarantee a service life of 25 to 30 years.

    Energeiaplus asked Mauro Caccivio what makes TISO-10 special. Caccivio heads the photovoltaics laboratory at the Ticino University of Applied Sciences SUPSI. "It's absolutely amazing. Looking at the black and white photos from back then and considering the technological advances that have been made since then, you can understand how visionary the project was and how courageous the team behind it was. TISO was important for the subsequent massive spread of solar energy: right from the start of its industrial phase, photovoltaic technology was able to return the energy required for the production of solar modules to the power grid many times over. This is crucial to minimize the impact on the environment and nature, and this is even more true today given the tremendous evolution we are witnessing,

  • EWA-energieUri creates a new solar community

    EWA-energieUri creates a new solar community

    EWA-energieUri is realizing the Uri solar community in Schattdorf. As the Uri energy provider announced , it wants to set up a photovoltaic system on the roof of the Uri Foundation for Disabled Persons, in which interested private parties can also participate. They can now reserve individual square meters of the facility for a fixed price of CHF 339. In return, they receive solar power for over 20 years.

    The plant is to generate a total of 49,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year on 260 square meters. That is 165 kilowatt hours per square meter, around 4 percent of the consumption of an average household. Commissioning of the plant is planned for spring 2023. Interested parties can already reserve their share at meinurstrom-sun.ch .

    "The Uri solar community is an attractive product for producing and purchasing solar power easily and easily, even without your own roof," Werner Jauch, CEO of EWA-energieUri, is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • ewz builds second solar system on dam wall

    ewz builds second solar system on dam wall

    ewz is building its second large-scale solar system on the Valle di Lei dam at over 1,900 meters above sea level. The Graubünden municipality of Ferrera issued the building permit for this in November 2021. According to a press release , more than 1,000 modules will be installed on the Valle di Lei dam wall of the Hinterrhein power plant ( KHR ) over a length of 550 meters. Most of the construction and installation work is carried out by KHR employees.

    The system was developed and planned by Reech GmbH from Landquart GR. It will have an output of 343.2 kilowatt peak. Annual production will be around 380 megawatt hours. According to ewz, this corresponds to the annual electricity requirements of around 160 households in Zurich.

    High alpine photovoltaic systems are particularly efficient. According to the information, they deliver 25 percent more electricity on average over the year than systems in the Mittelland. They also produce around half of the annual electricity in winter. As a result, according to ewz, they contribute to security of supply in the winter months.

    Similar to the first photovoltaic system from ewz on the Albigna dam, ewz customers can also participate in Lago di Lei – Solar. 73 percent of the available space has already been sold.