The module manufacturer Sonnenkraft has won the Austrian Solar Prize for the flying roof covered with photovoltaic modules at its own production site in St. Veit an der Glan. The project was able to prevail in the category in which outstanding solutions for industrial, commercial and agricultural enterprises are awarded. The jurors of the prize, which is awarded by Eurosolar Austria, were particularly impressed by the approach of multiple use of space.
Production capacity expanded
Because Sonnenkraft created the flying roof in order to expand its storage space. This is because the company has expanded the production capacity of Kioto Solar in view of increasing demand. As capacity almost doubled, more storage space was also needed. To create another benefit in addition to protecting the goods against wind and weather, bifacial modules from the company's own production were fitted directly into the substructure of the flying roof.
Output almost doubled
In this way, an additional solar generator with an output of 160 megawatts was created. Sonnenkraft has thus almost doubled its solar power generation capacity to 340 megawatts. The company uses the electricity directly in its own production and thus further reduces the CO2 footprint of its solar modules.
An obvious solution
For Sonnenkraft, of course, only such a solution came into question. After all, the company itself manufactures components for photovoltaic systems that can be harmoniously integrated into the building landscape. "We produce energy from Austria for Austria and Europe and see enormous growth potential for photovoltaic modules in domestic production. So what could be more natural than to equip the storage area with double-glass modules manufactured in our own factory?" explained Peter Prasser, Managing Director of Sonnenkraft, at the presentation of this year's Austrian Solar Awards. (su/mfo)
