Germany's first solar cycle path roofing

Germany's first solar bike path canopy will generate around 280 MW hours of solar power per year. The solar energy is primarily used in the laboratories and premises of Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg, which acts as tenant and operator and also monitors the system. "We must advance solar expansion in Germany as quickly as possible with a view to our climate targets and independence from fossil energy sources. And for this, of course, already sealed areas such as parking lots, paths and roads are playing an increasingly important role. We are proud that we could contribute our part to the success of this innovative pilot project", says Solarwatt CEO Detlef Neuhaus.

badenova CEO Heinz-Werner Hölscher highlights the importance of photovoltaics for the advancement of the energy transition - and the incentive for the energy and environmental services provider: "We need to rethink photovoltaics so that we can integrate more projects of this kind into the cityscape. This pilot project shows how urban spaces have a dual usage. Cyclists can safely pass along the path and electricity is generated at the same time." 

Solar modules from the "SOLARWATT Panel vision construct" series are used for the solar cycle path canopy in Freiburg. The glass-glass modules are particularly durable because the solar cells are enclosed on the front and back by robust glass panes. In addition, the Solarwatt modules of the Construct series have a general building authority approval (abz) from the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt), which means that they are considered a regulated building product that can be used without restriction in private and public areas. The solar modules can therefore be used for overhead and facade installations without the need for case-by-case testing and additional safety measures.