City of Neuwied: PV system installed as a foldable roof via sewage treatment plant
City of Neuwied: PV system installed as a foldable roof via sewage treatment plant
The city of Neuwied has implemented one of the most advanced energy transition projects: a foldable photovoltaic system that was installed as a roof over a sewage treatment plant. The city of Neuwied is already known for its efforts in terms of climate protection and energy transition, such as the climate -friendly switch to electrical appliances for green maintenance and the promotion of biodiversity by the creation of bees meadows. Another renewable energy project was implemented last year, which was officially put into operation at the end of January. However, the PV system is not an ordinary roof system or open space, but a folding roof system that was installed above the sewage treatment plant.
The folding roof covers an area of 1600 square meters and was designed in such a way that it does not affect the management of the sewage treatment plant. It has large distances between the supports and a clear height of five meters. The roof can be retracted and extended to facilitate maintenance work on the sewage basin. Sensors ensure that the roof is automatically retracted and protected in bad weather.
As the first system of its kind in Germany, the solar roof system over the Neuwied sewage treatment plant received the German Solar Prize in 2023. The system is expected to generate around 180,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which increases the proportion of the self -generated electricity by nine percent to 24.5 percent. This leads to a reduction in operating costs and keeps the fees affordable for the citizens. Another advantage of the project is that no additional areas were required for the PV system.
The first experiences from trial operation since December 2023 have been positive because the system has already produced around 5,500 kilowatt hours of electricity despite unfavorable weather conditions. The pilot project cost almost one million euros, with the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Environment granted a grant of 425,000 euros. According to those responsible, the Solardach will be in operation for 25 years and will deliver solar power free of charge after twelve years.
The project has already aroused interest from other cities, including Stuttgart, Oberndorf, Langen and Erkelenz. Further projects for switching to renewable energies are also planned in Neuwied, including location analyzes for 32 wind turbines and other PV systems.
The table shows an overview of the most important information of the project:
| size | 1600 square meters |
| function | production of clean energy |
| advantages | reduction in operating costs, affordable fees |
| award | German Solar Prize 2023 |
| expected electricity production per year | 180,000 kilowatt hours |
| Share of the self -generated electricity | 24.5 percent |
The pilot project was funded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of the Environment with 425,000 euros, since solar roofs have higher costs per kilowatt hour compared to open space systems. Nevertheless, those responsible assume that the system can be operated economically and that the technology will also be used in other cities.
The facility in Neuwied is an impressive example of innovative and sustainable energy transition projects at the local level. It helps to increase the proportion of renewable energies in the region and to enable clean energy and financial savings for the city and its citizens in the long term.
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