666 Centrosolar panels produce 120,000 kWh of electricity per year in Schaffhausen
Centrosolar AG has once again successfully completed a large-scale project in Europe. Together with Buderus Heiztechnik AG, the company has built one of the largest in-roof solar energy systems in Switzerland. The system, rated at 130 kWp, is installed on the rooftops of a housing complex in Schaffhausen. The S-Class Integration Deluxe panels replace traditional roofing materials with a high quality photovoltaic system.
The system is comprised of over 600 high-performance panels on a total of 52 roofs in a workers' housing cooperative in Schaffhausen. Centrosolar provided the photovoltaic system as part of a general redevelopment of the housing estate. The complex itself is a protected historical site; an on-roof system was not in keeping with the rules regarding redevelopment. “Fortunately, our integrated panels allowed us to offer the perfect solution: the panels replace the roofing material and blend inconspicuously and harmoniously into the surface of the roof. You have to look closely to see the system at all,” reports Ralf Klein, member of Centrosolar AG’s Board of Directors. The buildings face south, providing the perfect conditions for the solar panels.
Centrosolar’s partner, Buderus, was responsible for installing the solar panels. “Centrosolar’s PV panels, from their solar factory, offer consistently high quality,” explained Christian Steiner, from Buderus Heiztechnik AG. “They achieve the maximum efficiency, even in a range of different natural light conditions.” We are certain that, using these panels, the Schaffhausen system will produce the highest possible solar electricity yield” said Steiner. The system will produce approximately 120,000 kWh of solar power each year.
In accordance with Swiss support scheme, the housing cooperative will receive a compensatory feed-in remuneration for the period of 25 years. It will pay the cooperative back at the rate applicable on the date that the system is connected to the grid. As acceptance into the compensatory feed-in remuneration program can take up to three years, the operator will initially receive payment in the form of a lump sum from their local energy provider.
Installation of the Swiss system has once again proven that Centrosolar is the leader on the European market. Unlike many of its competitors, sales at the company were up in the first three quarters of 2012, with approximately 70 per cent of sales coming from overseas buyers. Centrosolar profits from a tight knit sales network and strong partners, such as Buderus Heiztechnik. The company’s solar panels are some of the best on the international market, and are used across both Europe and North America.