immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Solarenergie

  • Energy Cluster invites to one-day course on photovoltaic façades

    Energy Cluster invites to one-day course on photovoltaic façades

    The Energy Cluster network based in Bern invites interested parties to a day course on photovoltaic facades (PV facades) at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts(HSLU) on 12 September. From 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., speakers will shed light on various aspects of house facades for the production of solar energy, according to a media release.

    Accordingly, David Stickelberger, Head of Market and Policy at Swissolar, will discuss the political framework conditions for PV façades from 9 a.m. onwards. From 9.30 a.m., Christoph Wangler, Product Owner PV Systems at 3S Swiss Solar Solutions, will address the question of how sustainable solar modules are.

    From 10.40 a.m., Roger Buser, lecturer in building technology and energy at the HSLU, will discuss the process steps from a rough estimate to the construction project. Pierre-Olivier Cuche, Managing Director at Solarwall, will then talk about the architecture and design of PV façades. From 11.40 a.m. Andreas Haller, Head of Innovation Solar Systems at Ernst Schweizer AG, will talk about implementation planning and installation.

    After the lunch break, the talk will continue with the topic of fire protection in a presentation by Christian Renken, Managing Director of CREnergie GmbH. From 2 p.m. Renken will be devoting himself to the topic of performance and economic efficiency.

    He will be followed by Stefan Gränicher, Project Manager Real Estate Development at Frutiger AG, with his impulse on profitability from the perspective of a real estate developer. Robin Bergamin, Consulting & Sales at Invisia AG, will then talk about energy management and the best possible use of electricity.

    The last lecture of the day is by Sina Büttner, research associate at the Institute for Building Technology and Energy at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, on optimal façade design with solar systems and greening in view of climate change.

  • New Swiss solar cell production in the USA

    New Swiss solar cell production in the USA

    By expanding its business strategy to include solar cells “Made in USA”, Meyer Burger is responding to market requirements resulting from new regulations in the United States: Recently, the US Treasury Department announced guidelines for qualifying “domestic content”. These allow for an additional ten percent bonus on the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for US solar projects. “Meyer Burger strongly believes that domestically manufactured solar cells bring additional benefits to our customers, both in terms of using premium high performance ‘Made in USA’ solar products and qualifying for additional tax credits,” says Gunter Erfurt, CEO of Meyer Burger. With an initial production volume of two gigawatts of solar cells and modules annually in the US, Meyer Burger has the opportunity to receive tax credits of up to USD 1.4 billion from the start of production in 2024 until the end of 2032.

    As part of the decision to locate the solar cell plant in the USA, the company will receive another substantial financial package in addition to the IRA tax incentives: The city of Colorado Springs and the US state of Colorado are supporting the investment with almost USD 90 million, mainly in the form of tax credits, direct support and discounted electricity and water rates. In addition, upfront payments from module purchasers and a loan from the US Department of Energy (DoE) totalling more than USD 300 million are foreseeable. These are expected to help finance Meyer Burger’s growth in the United States.

    “Our presence in the US will allow us to reach existing and future customers faster. I would like to sincerely thank our partners in the Biden administration and in Colorado as well as our off-take partners DESRI, Ingka and BayWa for their support in expanding our US activities,” says Gunter Erfurt. He adds: “Meyer Burger is currently working on further multi-gigawatt offtake contracts in the US with new customers. We are already exploring opportunities to build further production capacity for solar cells and modules in the US”.

    The accelerated production schedule in the US is made possible by rerouting production machinery originally intended for the previously announced expansion of the solar cell factory at the Thalheim site in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. This equipment will now be installed at the Colorado Springs site in order to meet the planned completion date of the cell factory in 2024.

    As part of Meyer Burger’s successful application for the EU Innovation Fund, a multi-gigawatt expansion in Thalheim is planned at a later date. A prerequisite for such investments are favourable market conditions and secure, fair competitive conditions for European solar manufacturers in the EU.

    “Meyer Burger is a driving force for the expansion of solar energy in the US as well as in Germany and Europe,” says Erfurt. “We are pleased to lay the foundation for a transatlantic solar energy partnership and to continue to expand our production in Germany and the European Union.” In Germany, the company will therefore participate in the German government’s recently announced expression of interest in a PV industry renaissance.

  • Expansion of photovoltaics to increase by 58 percent in 2022

    Expansion of photovoltaics to increase by 58 percent in 2022

    Despite bottlenecks in skilled labor and blocked supply chains, 58 percent more photovoltaics were installed in 2022 compared to the previous year. Swissolar points to the figures now published by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy in a media release. According to the figures, solar modules with an output of 4.74 gigawatts were installed in Switzerland at the end of 2022. This covered almost 7 percent of Switzerland’s electricity demand over the course of the year. This production was equivalent to half of the Gösgen nuclear power plant.

    This amount of solar power must be increased sevenfold in the next twelve years, according to the association: “With the overcoat decree currently being discussed by parliament, it must be possible to create the necessary framework conditions for this.” That is quite realistic, also with the help of the solar express law for the accelerated building of alpine plants. On suitable roofs and facades alone, 70 terawatt hours could be generated annually. That would be twice what the National Council and Council of States have set as a target for renewable energies by 2035.

    Demand for battery storage has also more than doubled compared with the previous year. With the storage capacity of all the battery storage systems installed to date, 35,000 households could be supplied with electricity for a day, according to the data.

    For the current year, Swissolar expects a photovoltaic expansion of 20 to 30 percent. This is expected to pick up further momentum from October 1 with the new vocational apprenticeships of Solar Installer:in EFZ and Solar Assembler:in EBA. “Now,” says Swissolar Managing Director Matthias Egli, “we need a clear signal from politicians that solar energy offers long-term career prospects.”

  • Balteschwiler relies on solar power

    Balteschwiler relies on solar power

    Balteschwiler AG is having a solar power system installed on a 22,000 square meter roof area at the company’s headquarters in Laufenburg. Plans call for 8,000 solar modules on the roofs of the logistics hall and the CNC joinery center. Together, they will generate an output of 3.092 megawatts, the Aargauer Holzwerk informed in a statement. Ampere Dynamic has been entrusted with the design, planning and implementation of the project.

    Balteschwiler expects to produce 3.03 gigawatt hours of solar power annually. “Our company will achieve a degree of self-sufficiency of approximately 170 percent with the installation of the systems,” company CEO Jörg Langheim was quoted as saying in the release. “This enables us to supply up to 300 additional households with renewable electricity each year and thus make a not inconsiderable contribution to the energy transition.” As a woodworking and wood processing company, the family-owned company feels “particularly committed to sustainability,” Langheim explained.

    Installation of the plant is to begin this month, with completion scheduled for November of this year. As early as September, Balteschwiler plans to use the first solar power from its own plant.

  • Armasuisse builds alpine small wind solar plant in Surselva

    Armasuisse builds alpine small wind solar plant in Surselva

    Armasuisse Immobilien, part of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport(DDPS), is testing with partners from Swiss industry and research how wind and sun can be used in the Alpine region to generate electricity locally. According to a media release, the construction permit for a test facility at the La Stadera site in the Surselva region in the canton of Graubünden has been granted. Construction work will begin in August and the test plant is scheduled to go into operation in autumn 2024.

    The plant combines the generation of electricity through the use of wind energy and the use of solar radiation through photovoltaics. The test facility consists of a small wind turbine and bifacial (double-sided) photovoltaic modules that will be combined. The project was approved as part of the military plan approval procedure, the Federal Council‘s statement said. The wind turbine will be installed from August 2023. The photovoltaic modules arranged around the wind turbine will follow by autumn 2024 and complete the test facility.

    By the end of 2025, the test facility should provide data so that the efficiency of the new type of construction can be estimated more precisely. The expected energy yield is around 60 megawatt hours per year. According to the statement, this corresponds to the electricity consumption of around 15 Swiss households. The evaluation of the data by the end of 2025 will form the basis for the decision on whether to implement a final expansion with a total of nine small wind solar plants at the site.

    A solar prototype already installed in La Stadera by the Swiss system supplier Turn2Sun from La Sagne NE has already been successfully supplying electricity since winter. The solar prototype is also equipped with double-sided photovoltaic modules.

  • AEW Energie produces solar power on the Isemeyer site

    AEW Energie produces solar power on the Isemeyer site

    AEW Energie AG has installed and commissioned a 13,000 square metre solar plant with 5000 modules in Rheinfelden. It is located on the roof of the Isemeyer site and is one of the largest in the energy provider’s portfolio.

    According to a press release, it generates about 1.9 gigawatt hours of solar power annually. About a third of this is taken directly on site by the leased companies. The rest is fed into the AEW grid.

    The plant is operated on a contracting model: it belongs to AEW, which pays for the installation and maintenance costs. In return for providing the space, Soluma AG as the owner will receive a contractually agreed fixed price from AEW for the electricity drawn from the roof for the next 30 years. There are no additional costs for the tenants either. Before the installation of the 5,000 solar panels, the roof of the industrial halls was additionally insulated at AEW’s expense, thus improving the energy efficiency of the building envelope.

    Last but not least, the environment also benefits, says AEW. “Because the amount of this installation alone could supply 420 four-person households with electricity for an entire year.”

  • Compulsory solar on buildings rejected by Energy Commission

    Compulsory solar on buildings rejected by Energy Commission

    In intensive discussions, the Energy Commission of the Council of States dealt with the differences regarding the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply with Renewable Energies (21.047). It introduced new proposals on numerous points in order to find an appropriate balance between protection and use interests and thus create a broadly supported bill. By 8 votes to 5, the Commission proposes the deletion of the article on the suspension of residual flow regulations for existing hydropower plants, as decided by the National Council. It emphasises that the proposed provision is constitutionally questionable. Moreover, there would be enough time to find a balanced solution to the problem of impending production losses at existing hydropower plants. A minority would like to follow the National Council’s lead, since without the full preservation of existing electricity production from hydropower, the targeted expansion of renewable energies could not be achieved.

    The Commission is also in favour of identifying suitable areas for the use of solar and wind energy in the cantonal structure plans. Conservation interests should also be taken into account in this planning. In the defined areas, the need for facilities for the use of renewable energies should be identified and the facilities should be site-specific. In addition, they are to take precedence over other national interests in a balancing of interests. The condition for this is that the installations are not realised in inventory objects according to Art. 5 NHG. In addition, the “Chlus” project should benefit from the same facilitations as the 15 selected projects for storage hydropower. A minority rejects this amendment.

    NATIONAL INTEREST IN FACILITIES FOR THE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERG IES
    The Commission also dealt with the framework conditions for facilities for the use of renewable energies in the national interest. As decided by the National Council, these should continue to be excluded in biotopes of national importance as well as in waterbird and migratory bird reserves, but in newly emerging glacier forelands and alpine alluvial plains they should in principle be eligible. This exclusion should not apply to hydropower plants that serve ecological restoration. In addition, it should now be possible for the residual flow to run through these protected areas during the construction of hydropower plants; a minority wants to adhere to the National Council’s decision here. By 9 votes to 3, the Commission would like to maintain that electrolysers and methanisation plants above a certain size and importance should also be considered of national interest in terms of nature and cultural heritage protection (NHG).

    COMPULSORYUSE OF SOLAR ENERGY
    The Commission rejects the National Council’s decision to make solarenergy compulsory for all new buildings as well as significant conversion and renovation projects as too strong an encroachment on private property and the sovereignty of the cantons. Instead, it proposes by 6 votes to 4 with 2 abstentions that the mandatory use of solar energy on buildings with an area of 300 m2 or more, as decided by the “Federal Act on Urgent Measures for the Short-Term Provision of a Secure Electricity Supply in Winter” (21.501, draft 4), be transferred into the applicable law for an unlimited period. A minority calls for a solar obligation in accordance with the National Council, but this should only apply to new buildings and roof renovations. In addition, the Commission supports, by 7 votes to 3, an obligation to roof vehicle parking spaces of a certain size with solar elements. This obligation should apply immediately to new parking spaces of 250 m2 or more, and to existing parking spaces of 500 m2 or more with a transitional period of 5 years. A minority wants to abolish this obligation completely; according to another minority, it should only apply to new parking spaces from 500 m2 and to existing parking spaces from 1000 m2.

    In the area of the promotion of renewable energies, the Commission proposes that the Federal Council be given the authority to set minimum remuneration for the return to the grid operator for installations up to 150 kW. This should also create investment security for smaller and thus more expensive plants. In return, the transitional provisions with fixed remuneration adopted by the National Council are to be deleted, as they place too great a burden on grid operators and tied electricity consumers. In addition, the UREK-S would like to retain the creation of a special incentive for winter electricity production within the framework of the sliding market premium. If the reference market price for electricity in the winter months exceeds the guaranteed remuneration, the plant operator should receive a share of between 10 and 40 % of the surplus, to be determined by the Federal Council.

    CREATION OF A MARKET FOR EFFICIENCY SERVICES
    The Commission supports the programme for the creation of a market for efficiency services adopted by the National Council by 6 votes to 5 with one abstention. This programme stipulates that the energy supply companies (EVU) must prove annually that they have provided a certain amount of measures to increase electricity efficiency for end consumers or that they have commissioned these measures from third parties, so-called efficiency service providers. Whether the target is met or not is not measured by the electricity sales of the energy supply company: the efficiency services represent a new, independent business field. The measures are also not limited to the grid area of the respective utility. This means that the most favourable measures can be taken first throughout Switzerland. A minority rejects this efficiency programme, pointing to the enforcement effort, conflicting goals of the RUs and the existing measures to increase efficiency.

    On the question of the energy reserve pursuant to Art. 8a StromVG, the Commission basically follows the decision of the National Council. Operators of storage hydropower plants should be able to be obliged to set up a reserve. However, certain framework conditions are to be changed; for example, the obligation should only be possible for operators of plants with a capacity of 10 GWh or more. In addition, the compensation for the water held in reserve should also take into account the current market situation.

    FRAMEWORK CONDITIONS FOR THE ELECTRICITY NETWORKS OF THE FUTURE
    By 11 votes to 1 with 1 abstention, the Commission is in favour of all grid reinforcements necessary for the feed-in of renewable energy being passed on to electricity consumers throughout Switzerland on a solidarity basis. For expansions at the lowest grid level, a lump sum should be paid to the grid operator without requiring approval from Elcom. Like the National Council, the Commission also proposes that the costs for the reinforcement of certain connection lines be allocated for at the national level. Lines between the boundary of the property on which a renewable energy production facility is located and the grid connection point are to benefit from this support.

    In the area of the basic supply of electricity (Art. 6 StromVG), the Commission proposes to retain the current law and thus the average price method. The amendment adopted by the National Council was not convincing. However, the Commission supports the introduction of a standard electricity product, which should be based in particular on renewable domestic energy.

    The Commission proposes to refrain from opening the market in the area of metering and thus adheres to the decision of the Council of States. However, the data collected by the grid operators should be better available. Furthermore, it follows the decision of the National Council, according to which storage facilities with end consumption should also be relieved of the grid usage fee: It should be possible to reimburse the grid fee for the electricity fed back into the grid. A minority proposes to adhere to the decisions of the Council of States. Furthermore, the use of flexibility in electricity consumption should only be possible with the express consent of the owner.

    In view of the complex differences regarding the overcoat decree (21.047), the Commission was unable to conclude the detailed discussion on the CO2 Act (22.061) in time for it to be dealt with in the summer session. It will bring this bill into the autumn session.

    The Commission met in Bern on 11/12 May 2023 under the chairmanship of Councillor of States Adèle Thorens Goumaz (G, VD) and partly in the presence of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti.

  • Magog distributes Meyer Burger solar modules

    Magog distributes Meyer Burger solar modules

    Meyer Burger Technology AG and Schiefergruben Magog GmbH & Co. KG have concluded a cooperation agreement on the distribution of the new Meyer Burger Slate product. This is a product variant that is suitable for listed buildings and is intended for slate-covered houses. Meyer Burger will supply Magog with it from August.

    This small-format, uniformly slate-grey solar roof tile “fits harmoniously into slate roofs and thus makes the energy turnaround possible for listed houses as well”, the responsible division manager Frank Hötzsch is quoted as saying in a media release. “We are very pleased about the cooperation with Magog, a proven expert in the field of slate applications.”

    “The new Meyer Burger Slate – Magog Slate Edition is characterised by a high energy yield,” said Georg Guntermann, managing partner of Magog. In addition, he said, it is easy for roofers to install and maintain. Thanks to the use of glare-free, structured solar glass, it can be integrated inconspicuously into the building. According to the information, the first pilot projects will be finalised soon.

  • Milestone for the further development of CH energy policy

    Milestone for the further development of CH energy policy

    Particularly important decisions of the Commission meeting of 20-23.2.2023

    • A regulation for solar plants in the national interest: This will make it possible to build Alpine solar power plants even after the expiry of the urgent federal decree (“Solar Express”).
    • The obligation of operators of larger storage hydropower plants to participate in the energy reserve: Photovoltaics (PV) in combination with hydropower enables a secure power supply in winter, provided the reservoirs are not emptied prematurely for economic reasons.
    • The possibility of loans in case the resources of the grid surcharge fund are not sufficient for the intended promotion of renewable energy production: This can avoid a “stop-and-go”.
    • Data from smart metering systems are to be made available to end consumers in real time: This promotes the optimal coordination of electricity production (e.g. from PV systems) and consumption at the local level, which can reduce investments in electricity grids.
    • Storage facilities without end consumption are to be exempted from the grid fee for an unlimited period. And storage facilities with end consumption should also be able to benefit from a refund of the grid fee for the energy fed back into the grid from these storage facilities: This promotes the grid-serving use of stationary storage facilities as well as the bidirectional charging of electric vehicles.
    • The framework conditions for local electricity communities (LEG) have been significantly improved compared to the resolution of the Council of States: this is also a significant contribution to the intelligent use of the grids.
    • In rural areas, high costs for grid reinforcements often lead to PV projects being suspended. A cost pass-through is intended to provide relief here.
    • The parliamentary initiative by Swissolar President Jürg Grossen’s initiative to harmonise the taxation of the sale of solar electricity was unanimously approved. This is an essential contribution to clearing up the “patchwork” of framework conditions for solar plants.


    Detailed information at www.parlament.ch

  • Together towards the sun

    Together towards the sun

    2021, Bearth & Deplazes Architects were able to accept this award for a multi-purpose building in Fläsch. This is the third time they have been awarded the prestigious prize, which is given for solar buildings that are convincing from an architectural point of view, take into account the careful use of resources and are designed in such a way that they generate more electrical energy than they use themselves

    The company has been dealing with the subject of energy for over 30 years. For them, it is part of designing and building, just like construction. Their buildings clearly reflect that architecture is more than aesthetics for them. That they are concerned with responsibility towards the place, society and the environment.

    They have proven this in Fläsch. The existing multi-purpose building from the 1970s was converted and extended to include a kindergarten and a community hall. The additional rooms nestle up against the existing building to the north and east and are integrated under the extended roof area. Due to seismic safety requirements, the roof had to be replaced, but its original silhouette and ridge point were retained. The orientation of the roof allowed the use of a large-scale PV system, for which the company Reech was commissioned with the planning and technical construction management. In addition to visual aspects, the company’s main focus was on meeting technical requirements. The “Sunskin Roof” in-roof system from Eternit, developed in Switzerland and manufactured in Austria, not only convinced the PV specialists with its energy efficiency, performance and quality. “The resistant double-glass solar modules can be installed even at flat angles of inclination. In addition, they can be walked on, which brings great advantages when maintaining the system,” explains Tamás Szacsvay, Head of Technology & Engineering and Partner at Reech. He also appreciates the good technical support from Eternit and the comprehensive documentation from which all connection details can be taken directly.

    The installation of the handy modules is also quick and easy, as the flexible installation allows work to be carried out from different sides at the same time

    Eternit (Schweiz) AG works closely with architects and technicians when developing new products. This pays off. In this way, constructive, functional and aesthetic aspects flow into the planning process at an early stage. Since 2010, the company has been applying its know-how specifically to the development of frameless photovoltaic systems that are fully integrated both on the roof and on the façade and replace the conventional building envelope. Thanks to well-designed detailed solutions, they also meet the high aesthetic requirements of architects

    The large-scale Eternit solar roof in Fläsch supplies 179,700 kWh/a, 175% more energy than is required for the building’s own needs. The surplus energy of 114,200 kWh/a is used by the neighbouring clinic, which can cover a third of its energy needs with it.
    Thus, through their clever design, the architects have succeeded in strengthening the local ensemble of school building, clinic and multi-purpose building, while integrating a contemporary solution for energy generation and use that is convincing in terms of design and respects the special nature of this location

    “Of course we have to achieve the energy turnaround,” says Daniel Ladner, who, along with Valentin Bearth and Andrea Deplazes, is the third office partner and overall project manager for the construction in Fläsch. “But not at the expense of the townscape. That’s why the design with energy must always be demanded and coordinated with the operator.”

  • Energeek makes investing in solar energy accessible to everyone

    Energeek makes investing in solar energy accessible to everyone

    The cleantech-project.org of Energeek Group AG and CES Cleantech Energy Systems GmbH wants to enable everyone to participate in the energy transition. CES Cleantech Energy Systems explains in a press release that those who do not have the financial means to renovate their own roof or do not own any property at all cannot usually contribute to climate neutrality through solar energy. To remedy this, Energeek Group AG offers investments in solar panels for specific real estate projects.

    Interested parties can purchase one or more panels and then rent them out to the project company, as explained in the press release. A project on a horse farm and hotel in the Freiberge mountains is given as an example. Here Energeek offers panels at a price of just over 900 francs per piece. In addition to the annual rental income of 82.50 francs, the buyers benefit from federal subsidies for solar systems, the one-off payment.

    As an advantage of Energeek’s projects, the company emphasizes the use of so-called solar trackers. In addition to permanently installed panels, panels are installed that turn towards the sun via the solar trackers. In this way, morning and evening sun and gaps in the clouds can also be used to produce solar power.

    Energeek provides online information on the current range of real estate projects, the prices and the rental income of the corresponding solar panels. According to the statement, purchased panels and the associated rental agreement with the project company can be resold, inherited or given away at any time.

  • AMAG Winterthur puts new solar system into operation

    AMAG Winterthur puts new solar system into operation

    The AMAG Group has put a new photovoltaic system into operation at its Winterthur location, informs the automotive trading group for all brands of the Volkswagen Group in a message . The system built by Helion with an output of around 157 kilowatts peak was installed on the roof of the AMAG building for Volkswagen and VW commercial vehicles. The group intends to use around 60 to 65 percent of the approximately 158 megawatt hours of solar power expected annually.

    “With the solar energy obtained from the photovoltaic system, we can cover around 60 percent of our electricity requirements at the Zürcherstrasse 312 location in Winterthur,” Martin Zgraggen, Managing Director of AMAG Winterthur, is quoted in the press release. “The increasing number of electric vehicles means that more electricity is required, which the new solar system supplies us.”

    The AMAG buildings for the Audi and Skoda brands in Winterthur were equipped with a solar system back in 2013, the press release explains. The group had the first photovoltaic system installed on the roof of its central spare parts warehouse in Buchs ZH in 2008. In the current year, in addition to the new system in Winterthur, two further solar systems were installed in Wettswil am Albis ZH and in Basel.

    The automobile trading group with its headquarters in Cham ZG wants to be completely climate-neutral by 2025. To this end, solar systems are to be installed on an area of around 50,000 square meters by 2024. The group is looking into a deployment for a further 100,000 square meters of space at AMAG locations.

  • Revolutionary energy storage

    Revolutionary energy storage

    The apartment buildings in Seebrighof store solar power in the form of hydrogen. Dr. Martin Nicklas, Head of Energy Contracting at EKZ, explains the revolutionary power-to-gas concept: “On summer days, the solar system on the roof of the Seebrighof will produce more electricity than the residents can use. The so-called power-to-gas plant turns this into hydrogen. In winter the energy requirement is higher. Then the stored hydrogen is converted into energy. Around 55 percent of this is used to generate electricity in the system’s fuel cells. The remaining 45 percent of the energy escapes as waste heat, which is used to heat the building. ” The hydrogen is produced from tap water that is processed directly in the plant. Oxygen is created as a quasi waste product, which escapes into the ambient air. This is environmentally friendly because in winter the hydrogen is converted back into water and renewable energy with oxygen from the air. This closes the cycle. The system only uses locally produced solar power for production, and the public power grid is relieved.

    EKZ as a pioneer
    With a battery in the house, short-term fluctuations in solar power production in the summer are absorbed and, for example, solar power is stored for the night. The P2G system constantly converts the excess remaining free into hydrogen. As a result, it can be implemented more cost-effectively and operated more efficiently. For Nicklas, EKZ is taking on a pioneering role in the conversion to renewable energy supply: “For the first time in Switzerland, a P2G system is being implemented that can also be used cost-effectively in other properties of different sizes – even in existing buildings. With the system, we are testing the potential of seasonal energy storage from solar power for the winter. ” There are a few properties with hydrogen systems in Switzerland, including in the canton of Zurich. The difference in the project in the Seebrighof is the standardized concept, which can be easily and inexpensively applied to other buildings.

    Power-to-gas system
    But it gets even better: thanks to the power-to-gas system, most of the solar power can be used locally. The electrical efficiency of the P2G system is around 30 to 35 percent across all processes. The rest is generated as waste heat, which is used for hot water heating in summer and for heating in winter. Would you be able to supply yourself with energy completely independently at the Seebrighof? – «This would be technically possible and is already being done in this way in individual properties. However, this would be very costly and was therefore not the aim of this project. “

    Safe hydrogen storage
    Appropriate safety precautions must be taken when storing flammable and potentially explosive gases such as natural gas or hydrogen. These measures are checked by the authorities to ensure safe installations. Hydrogen is usually stored outdoors, with any leakage gas quickly volatilizing and thus preventing an explosive mixture. In the current case, according to Nicklas, the H2 is stored in commercially available gas cylinders that fully meet Swiss safety standards and norms.

    When is a P2G system worthwhile?
    The answer depends on many factors and must always relate to the specific building project and the requirements of the client, as Nicklas explains: “The fundamental question is how often the hydrogen storage tank can be charged per year. Because with each charging cycle, the system generates a contribution margin that contributes to amortization. We are also testing this potential with the system and are further developing the concept accordingly. ” The client of the Seebrighof is also demonstrating a pioneering spirit with the project. In this way, she does not only have the system installed from a purely monetary point of view. One would like to lead the way here and make a contribution to reducing the supply gap in winter – making society more independent of energy imports from fossil sources. The facility at Seebrighof can be financed well thanks to its cost-effective implementation, says Nicklas. She makes a significant contribution to research into seasonal storage technologies: “How economically effective the technology is is the subject of our investigations. In the next few years, however, we expect another significant price reduction on the hydrogen market, which could give the technology a boost.

    Energy strategy 2050
    In the Federal Council’s Energy Strategy 2050, storage technologies based on gases and liquids have a high priority. With the first standardized power-to-gas system, EKZ has reached an important milestone that could serve as an example for future developments. Nicklas concludes: “If we want to fully feed heat and power supply as well as mobility with renewable energy sources, we need efforts in all areas. Hydrogen as a storage medium can help to defuse the challenges of power supply in winter ».

  • Swissolar wants more sun in standard electricity

    Swissolar wants more sun in standard electricity

    Around 5 percent of annual electricity consumption in Switzerland is currently covered by domestically produced solar electricity, explains Swissolar in a press release . In the standard electricity products of the energy suppliers, however, the proportion of solar electricity is only 1.85 percent on average. The Association of the Swiss Solar Energy Industry is working together with the power comparison service myNewEnergy to increase the solar proportion of standard products to this 5 percent in a first step.

    “This value should be increased annually by at least the amount of additional construction in question,” Swissolar managing director David Stickelberger is quoted in the announcement. “Around 1 percent would correspond to the necessary expansion of photovoltaic systems.”

    The majority of households do not choose a special electricity product and therefore receive the standard offer from the respective energy supplier, explains Swissolar in the press release. If the proportion of solar power in the standard product is increased to the proportion of power consumption, the comparatively expensive power is divided among a large number of consumers, argues Swissolar. This keeps the product price low and opens up new sales markets for providers of solar power who have been “sitting on their clean electricity” up to now.

    “It is important that these certificates come exclusively from Swiss solar systems, because only such certificates make an effective contribution to a safe and clean power supply in our country,” explains Stickelberger. “To replace the nuclear power plant alone, we need 20 terawatt hours of solar power.”

  • Rheinfelden Solar puts third system into operation

    Rheinfelden Solar puts third system into operation

    The Rheinfelden Solar project will shortly put its third solar system into operation, AEW Energie informs in a press release . The system with a peak output of 110 kilowatts is being built as part of a roof renovation on the works yard and fire department store in Stein. A total of 290 modules will be installed here.

    In the Rheinfelden Solar project, interested parties can support solar energy without having to set up their own solar system. Instead, they finance a system installed by Rheinfelden Solar with a one-time contribution per module. In return, those involved are credited with the electricity they have produced with the modules they finance over a period of 20 years in their own electricity bills.

    The modules of the system in Stein are sold at the same conditions as those of the considerably larger second system from Rheinfelden Solar on the roof of the Swisslos logistics center in Rheinfelden. Interested parties can now order the desired number of modules online at a price of 560 francs each, explains AEW Energie. From the beginning of 2022, 240 kilowatt hours of electricity per purchased module should be credited to the electricity bill.

  • Health center uses ecological heating center

    Health center uses ecological heating center

    The health center Dielsdorf relies on a sustainable heating technology solution. For this purpose, the Liechtenstein company Hoval has installed a heating center the size of a small single-family house on the roof of the facility , according to a press release . A solar system extends over the rest of the roof area.

    “The large area offered itself for the use of solar energy. The entire system was lifted onto the roof using a crane, ”explains Edgar Stutz, Head of Technical Service at the Dielsdorf Health Center, in the press release. According to Heinz Hitz, technical sales consultant at Hoval, only around 30 systems of this size are put into operation in Switzerland each year.

    The heart of the energy supply is a gas condensing boiler and the solar panels. There are two energy stores in the basement. When both storage tanks have reached the required temperature, the excess energy from the solar system is automatically transferred to an old part of the building. The system is supplemented by an oil condensing boiler, which is only used in the event of a fault.

    Compared to conventional heating systems, the health center can save 120,000 kilowatt hours of energy with the new system, says Björn Zittra, Head of Sales Support at Hoval. “That corresponds to around 12,000 cubic meters of natural gas – or around 29 tons of CO2 per year,” he explains.

  • Emmi uses solar energy from Amstutz

    Emmi uses solar energy from Amstutz

    Emmi and Amstutz Holzenergie AG are expanding their cooperation. According to a press release from Emmi, the products manufactured at Emmi's Emmen location, such as Aktifit or Lucerne cream cheese, will in future be produced using solar power from the roofs of the neighboring Amstutz AG. For twelve years now, 80 percent of the process energy required by Emmi has come from a wood chip plant on the Amstutz site. It feeds hot steam into the Emmi pipes via a pipeline.

    Amstutz's 1,440 photovoltaic modules produce around 500,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. Amstutz uses around 200,000 kilowatt hours itself, while 300,000 are given to Emmi. "We are pleased that our neighbor Emmi has been relying on environmentally friendly 'wood steam' from our company for twelve years and that we can now use solar energy from our roofs to strengthen the partnership for a sustainable energy future", CEO Albert Amstutz is quoted as saying.

    As the announcement goes on to say, the 25 or so Emmi operations in Switzerland are supplied with 100 percent electricity from European hydropower. In the future, the company wants to "significantly" increase the production of its own renewable electricity in the coming years. The roof of the new cheese dairy currently under construction in Emmen will also be equipped with photovoltaic elements.

  • SHL Medical is building a sustainable new location

    SHL Medical is building a sustainable new location

    SHL Medical invests in a new location on the Tech Cluster Zug . This will consist of a 10,500 square meter production area and a 5,000 square meter office space. The manufacturer of injection systems plans to employ around 400 people there.

    Several architectural offices have developed concepts for the new location as part of a competition. The project by the architects Penzel Valier AG has now prevailed, according to a media release . In addition to SHL Medical, the jury also included the city of Zug, Metall Zug and experts from various disciplines.

    The project by the architects Penzel Valier relies on the use of wood as the main alternative material. The energy is supplied via a building-integrated solar energy system. Sea water is used for heating and cooling. The excess heat and energy is recovered for further use. Overall, according to the information, this enables zero CO2 emissions production.

    According to the announcement, the building application is planned for the end of 2021. Because the SHL Group is aiming for continuous growth in the coming years, the expansion of the location is planned in two construction phases and in four expansion stages. The commissioning of the four expansion stages is to take place in several stages.

    "The building architecture should provide an environment that optimally supports the activities of our employees and operations," Ulrich Faessler, CEO SHL Medical, is quoted in a separate press release. "As we at SHL are striving for continuous growth and in order to consolidate our pioneering role within the industry, we will further strengthen our global presence and our activities through global production," he adds.

    SHL Medical relocated its headquarters to Zug in Switzerland in 2018. One of his goals was to further strengthen the global partnership with his pharmaceutical customers. In addition to Switzerland, SHL Medical also has locations in Taiwan, Sweden and the USA.

    The Tech Cluster Zug is being built on the headquarters of V-ZUG AG in the city of Zug. V-ZUG wants to concentrate its production in the north of the area. Industrial companies, technology-related services, start-ups as well as research and educational institutions are to be located on the remaining parts of the area.

  • EKZ achieves good operating results with stable sales

    EKZ achieves good operating results with stable sales

    EKZ draws a positive balance for the 2019/20 financial year with stable sales, expansion of the production of renewable energy, especially in wind power, and an operating result that has enabled a profit distribution of CHF 41.3 million to the canton and municipalities for the first time. According to the press release, the operating result (EBIT) was CHF 61.3 million and the company's result, i.e. total income minus total expenses, was CHF 88.2 million.

    EKZ's electricity sales remained stable in the first half of 2020 despite the lockdown. The lower sales among traders and the closure of shopping centers have been compensated for by shifting to higher sales in home offices. The EKZ supplies around 315,000 households and businesses with renewable energy.

    The production capacities from renewable energy were expanded. The EKZ in Switzerland relies on the expansion of solar energy and domestic hydropower. The Dietikon river power plant was put back into operation. In Spain and Portugal the investment focus was on solar energy, in France and Germany on electricity production from wind power. With above-average wind conditions, 496 gigawatt hours of electricity were generated from wind energy, reports the EKZ.

    Other focal points of the shopping center were charging solutions for tenants, apartment or house owners as well as the prosumer area. These are electricity consumers who are producers themselves at the same time as their own solar systems.

    EKZ has been involved inPrimeo Energie AG since January 1st to work together in energy sales for energy supply companies and business customers.

  • Energie 360 ° is working on a power-to-gas solution

    Energie 360 ° is working on a power-to-gas solution

    Energie 360 ° and the gas storage company RAG Austria are working on making solar energy available all year round. Both are jointly pursuing the innovative power-to-gas project Underground Sun Conversion – Flexible Storage . It started in December 2020 has a term of two and a half years and is supported by the European Commission promoted . Field tests are already underway at the RAG research site in Pilsbach, Upper Austria.

    In this project, excess renewable energy, such as solar power in summer, is converted into hydrogen, explains Energie 360 ° in a press release . This is then stored together with carbon dioxide in natural underground storage at a depth of over 1000 meters. There, microorganisms combine hydrogen and carbon to form renewable methane gas. This energy can be used in the event of supply gaps, for example in winter. The advantage over pumped storage power plants or batteries lies in the much higher storage capacity and, at the same time, less surface area, according to Energie 360 °.

    In Switzerland, the two companies cooperate with the University of Bern , the University of Applied Sciences in Eastern Switzerland and the Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute ( Empa ). "We are working together on the solution to one of the greatest challenges facing the energy system of the future: How do we advance volatile renewable energy sources such as sun and wind and at the same time offer year-round security of supply?", Says Andreas Kunz, Head of Energy Systems at Energie 360 °.

  • Replacement modules from several solar technicians form a new system

    Replacement modules from several solar technicians form a new system

    In St.Gallen, several solar technicians have collected the remaining modules from photovoltaic systems that have already been implemented. Now they are jointly producing solar power on the roof of the building called Lattich at the St.Gallen freight yard. The unusual project, about which the city of St.Gallen reported in a media release , provides solar energy for ten four-person households.

    This photovoltaic system is a joint project of the St.Galler Stadtwerke (sgsw) and five solar energy companies that have the Swisssolar quality label Solarprofi: Helion , Etavis Grossenbacher AG , Grob AG Gebäudehüllen, Huber + Monsch AG and solarmotion GmbH . They all delivered the solar modules that were no longer needed. They planned and created the system together with SGSW.

    In return for their contribution to the project, the partners involved receive solar power units on the Lattich roof and thus benefit from a credit on their electricity bills. Solar power units from the St.Gallen Solar Community are still available to the public on the roof of the Lerchenfeld ice rink.

  • Zurich architects receive the European Solar Prize

    Zurich architects receive the European Solar Prize

    In awarding this year's Eurosolar prizes, Eurosolar honored the Zurich company Felix Partner Architektur in the solar architecture category for realizing a project at Bergün GR. According to a press release, a 350-year-old Graubünden farmhouse in Latsch was converted into a modern zero-energy house through consistent use of solar energy. The historical substance was preserved.

    The European Solar Prize has been awarded by Eurosolar since 1994 for particularly eligible projects in the field of renewable energies. Eurosolar is the short form of European Association for Renewable Energies e. V. The association has its seat in Bonn. The winners in the categories of municipalities, solar architecture, industry, regional associations, mobility, media and education contribute with their outstanding projects to regenerative and decentralized energy supply in Europe, according to the media release.

    Eurosolar President Peter Droege is quoted as saying that the award-winning projects are perfect examples of the ongoing transformation of the energy system: "Today's award winners show how the world can become completely renewable."

    In addition to the award for the best project in the solar architecture category by the Swiss architects, other award winners are highlighted in the communication. Such an island community that owns, manages and maintains its own energy network that supplies all residents with renewable electricity. There is also a film director who raises awareness of the ecological and social effects of coal power. And also to a so-called social enterprise, which enables an independent and low-carbon energy supply with mobile biogas technology.

  • VoltWALL wins Boldbrain competition

    VoltWALL wins Boldbrain competition

    According to a report from ticino online, voltWALL is the main winner of this year's Boldbrain Startup Challenge . The start-up from Lugano with branches in New York, Rome, Sydney and Tel Aviv has developed a modular energy storage system called xBlade. Its areas of application range from charging electric cars in the garage to industrial solutions and solar parks.

    The company convinced the jury of the Ticino start-up competition that it would create jobs in the canton, according to a message on startupticker.ch. The first prize is endowed with 40,000 francs. In addition, the University of Italian Switzerland awards voltWALL a full scholarship worth 52,000 francs. In addition, the winner also received one of the special prizes from the Boldbrain sponsor Hemargroup.

    The two young companies Finar Module Tech and 4Devices Medical each won CHF 30,000 as second and third place. Finar developed an energy-saving LED lamp that has already been tested by Osram and Henkel. 4Devices builds miniature medical machines. Your first is a stent, which is designed to improve surgery on children with hydrotherapy. The start-ups WYTH and UNIVERSUS-OS followed , each receiving 10,000 francs in prize money. UNIVERSUS-OS also received the audience award.

    The Boldbrain Startup Challenge is organized by the Ticino innovation agency Fondazione Agire and the USI's Center for the Promotion of Business Start-ups. The competition is supported by the Ministry of Finance and Economics and the Ticino Cantonal Bank BancaStato .

  • Public transport should expand photovoltaics

    Public transport should expand photovoltaics

    Photovoltaics offers all public transport companies the opportunity to take a large part of their energy supply into their own hands. A new guide from the Federal Office of Transport refers to this. The authority developed it together with the Swiss Association for Solar Energy, Swissolar .

    As Swissolar writes in a summary of this guide, solar energy can make a decisive contribution to replacing non-renewable energies in public transport. The electricity consumption of all transport companies is currently around 2.7 terawatt hours. In addition, there are 120 million liters of diesel. If all public transport is to be operated in a CO2-neutral manner in the future, it will need around 3.5 terawatt hours of electricity. Of this, 2 terawatt hours, or 60 percent, would already be produced by the hydropower plants of the SBB .

    The production of the remaining 1.5 terawatt hours with solar energy would require around 1 square meter of photovoltaic module area per inhabitant in Switzerland. The same area per inhabitant provides the energy required to transport a person 2,500 kilometers by train in one year. As the Federal Office of Energy states in its energeia plus magazine, the potential for solar power in the Swiss transport company's building stock is 67 terawatt hours per year. That exceeds the total current Swiss electricity consumption by 10 percent.

    The guide advises small and large transport companies on investment opportunities and approval procedures for real estate, rail technology and infrastructure. He also goes into funding opportunities and personal consumption. It also provides specific official recommendations that support public transport in becoming climate-neutral.

  • Repower brings the largest Engadine solar system to the grid

    Repower brings the largest Engadine solar system to the grid

    A new wastewater treatment plant is being built in S-chanf. The Upper Engadine ARA is scheduled to start operations in mid-2021. Repower has installed a solar system with an area of 5800 square meters and 3447 solar modules on the roof of the system. The plant has an output of 1.1 megawatts and an expected annual output of 1.45 gigawatt hours. That corresponds to the consumption of 325 households, writes the Graubünden energy supplier in a press release . The system was designed in such a way that it can withstand heavy snowfall. The modules themselves have a total weight of 69 tons.

    The system has now been put into operation. Repower has invested 1.7 million francs.

    The ARA itself is operated with a combined heat and power unit. This means that electricity consumption on site can be optimized with the aim of using as much solar power as possible on site.

  • Groupe E offers solar systems without investment

    Groupe E offers solar systems without investment

    Property owners in western Switzerland have the option of having solar systems installed on their roofs without having to invest. With My Sun Contracting, Groupe E is launching a product in which the Freiburg energy supplier takes over all investments as well as the other expenses.

    According to a statement from Groupe E, customers only pay for the generation of the solar electricity they use themselves. The electricity price is degressive: the more the customers consume, the lower the tariff. Customers can also buy the system on their roof later, for example if they want to benefit from tax advantages.

  • The first high-alpine solar plant will be in production from September

    The first high-alpine solar plant will be in production from September

    From September the first high-alpine solar project in Bergell will deliver natural electricity. As the operator Elektrizitätswerke der Stadt Zürich ( ewz ) announced in a press release , most of the more than 1200 photovoltaic (PV) panels have now been installed on the Albigna dam.

    For the assembly work, a so-called bridge inspection device was transported to the dam wall with the Albigna cable car. Most of the construction work was carried out by ewz employees from Bergell.

    Citizens from Zurich and Graubünden have the opportunity to purchase half, one, three or five square meters of the PV area and thus make a contribution to environmental and climate protection. The public participation model ewz.solarzüri provides that ewz customers are credited 180 kilowatt hours of solar power per square meter per year on their electricity bill. The term is 20 years. The one-off costs per square meter are CHF 560.

    From August 14, interested parties can find out more and order panel space on the websites ewz.ch/solargrischun and ewz.ch/solar-für-alle . Until then, these links lead to the current page of ewz.solarzüri.

  • Meyer Burger wants to manufacture solar modules in Glarus

    Meyer Burger wants to manufacture solar modules in Glarus

    The Thun-based system manufacturer Meyer Burger wants to set up a production facility for solar panels in Linthal GL. The planned plant will have a capacity of 400 megawatts and employ over 100 people in three-shift operation, according to a statement from the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies ( VSE ).

    The project is related to the planned realignment of Meyer Burger. The company based in Gwatt BE no longer wants to build and sell machines for the production of panels in the future, but instead wants to get into panel production itself.

    The main argument in favor of locating the plant in Linthal is a solar park project on the Limmernsee in Glarus Süd, 1860 meters above sea level. A floating photovoltaic system with a capacity of 250 megawatts per year is to be installed there. The Limmern Solar Park (SPL) on the storage lake of Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG ( KLL , Axpo ) could generate 300 gigawatt hours of electricity and thus cover the needs of 75,000 to 100,000 four-person households.

    There are other advantages that speak in favor of Glarus. In this way, not only is the inexpensive energy supply guaranteed by the Technischen Betriebe Glarus Süd ( tbgs ), but also the building land is available. In addition, the canton of Glarus is ready to set tax incentives. The plant also benefits from the efficient approval process, the rail connection for goods transport and the interesting Swiss market.