SOLARWATT and Dresden public transport operator: Solar roof for tram railyard with 1,000 photovoltaic modules

SOLARWATT modules on roofs on the Trachenberge railyard of the Dresden public transport operator DVB — For a larger version click on image.

A SOLARWATT solar installation with an output of 300 kWp now decorates two recently established roofs on the Trachenberge railyard of the Dresden public transport operator “Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe” (DVB). Where trams were previously parked outdoors after closing time, two new rail ports - carports for trams - will now offer shelter and facilitate nightly maintenance and cleaning work. The installation of approximately 1.000 glass-glass modules from the Dresden solar system provider will be completed in the next few weeks. "Together with DVB, we are demonstrating how self-consumption with solar energy can also work in a large commercial enterprise. An in-house system not only saves costs, but also improves the energy efficiency of the entire company. So why leave any roof area unused?" says SOLARWATT Managing Director Detlef Neuhaus.

Regional proximity and quality of the modules are decisive factors

DVB started planning the project in December of 2017. One of the core requirements was, that only glass-glass modules should be used for the photovoltaic system. The contract to install the photovoltaic system was awarded to the company Gexx Aerosol from Wildau near Berlin, which has successfully been working with glass-glass modules from SOLARWATT for several years. "Our two companies stand for reliability and quality. And DVB also benefits from the regional proximity. The solar modules could be delivered within the city, directly from the production line to the construction site. Such short transports make the solar system even more eco-friendly," says Jochen Drepper, Head of Sales & Business Development at Gexx Aerosol.

Improving the eco-electricity quota

With more than 166 trams and 140 buses, DVB serves the local transport network of the Saxon state capital. The company counts more than 163 million passengers a year. Almost one hundred percent of the electricity generated by the new system is consumed by the company itself. In combination with the existing thermal power station, the new solar installation will provide sufficient electricity to cover DVB's own needs in Dresden Trachenberge. This includes all of the railyard buildings, including the workshop and the DVB administration building. "With our vehicles the people of Dresden and their guests are per se climate-friendly on the road. By installing the solar system, we can now also sustainably supply the Trachenberge railyard with green electricity," says Falk Lösch, spokesman for Dresden's public transport services.

About SOLARWATT:

Founded in 1993 and active worldwide, SOLARWATT GmbH is the leading German manufacturer of complete photovoltaic systems. The company is the European market leader in glass-glass solar modules and is one of the largest suppliers of electricity storage systems. For 25 years, SOLARWATT has stood for premium quality, Made in Germany. International names such as BMW i, Bosch, and E.ON cooperate with the Dresden-based company, which employs some 380 people worldwide.

For more information: www.solarwatt.com.