January 23, 2025

1.2GWh PVT Plant: Mahle Advances Decarbonisation in Germany

Mahle plans to decarbonise its Vaihingen-Enz site in Germany by installing the country’s largest PVT plant, which features over 1,000 hybrid modules supplied by Sunmaxx. The PVT modules will simultaneously generate electricity and heat, thus supporting Mahle's climate goals under its ‘Mahle 2030+’ strategy.

PVT Plant: A Milestone in Renewable Energy


German automotive parts giant Mahle is set to decarbonise its production site in Vaihingen-Enz, Germany. The company plans to achieve this with the installation of the country’s largest photovoltaic thermal (PVT) plant. This ambitious project aligns with Mahle’s climate goals under its ‘Mahle 2030+’ strategy.

The PVT plant will span nearly 2,000 square metres and feature over 1,000 hybrid modules supplied by Sunmaxx. The European manufacturer — which is also a strategic partner of Mahle — will deliver modules designed to generate both electricity and heat simultaneously. This dual functionality sets PVT modules apart from traditional photovoltaic panels.

The PVT plant will provide the Mahle facility with over 430 kilowatt-peak (kWp) of green electricity. Additionally, it will deliver approximately 1.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of thermal energy annually. This renewable energy system aims to make the Vaihingen-Enz site nearly independent of natural gas.

The installation of Sunmaxx’s hybrid modules is scheduled to begin in February 2025. The full commissioning of the plant is expected by July 2025. Once operational, the PVT plant will serve as a model for other industrial facilities aiming to reduce carbon emissions.

Strategic Goals for Decarbonisation


Mahle Group’s management board member, Jumana Al-Sibai, emphasised the significance of this project. She stated, “Our joint project shows that the switch to regenerative solutions is worthwhile due to the increasing costs for energy and process heat. The decarbonisation of the plant in Vaihingen-Enz serves as a reference project for other sites and makes an important contribution to achieving climate neutrality of our company by 2040.”

This initiative aligns with Mahle’s long-term vision to decarbonise its operations and contribute to climate neutrality. The company aims to inspire similar efforts across its global sites through this landmark project.

Sunmaxx — a leader in PVT technology — plays a critical role in this project. The company’s CEO, Wilhelm Stein, highlighted the economic benefits of PVT technology. He explained, “Due to PVT, the energy costs can be scaled and thus planned. Unlike gas, for example, no increase is to be expected in the next thirty years. Projects like this are an opportunity for industrial companies to keep their energy expenditures constant and represent a cost-effective solution to achieve their climate goals.”

The hybrid modules will ensure a reliable energy supply while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. The innovative system also integrates a geothermal field as a heat reservoir. This reservoir will store heat generated during summer for use in winter, further enhancing energy efficiency.

Why PVT Technology Matters


PVT technology is an advanced solution that combines the benefits of photovoltaic and thermal systems. Unlike standard photovoltaic modules, PVT modules generate both electricity and heat. This makes them ideal for industrial applications where both forms of energy are required.

The integration of PVT modules at the Vaihingen-Enz site reflects a growing trend among industries to adopt hybrid renewable solutions. These systems offer a sustainable way to meet energy demands while reducing environmental impact.

Mahle’s PVT plant marks a significant step towards energy independence for its Vaihingen-Enz facility. By harnessing renewable energy, the site will reduce its reliance on natural gas. This shift will also protect the company from fluctuating gas prices and contribute to long-term cost savings.

The installation of Germany’s largest PVT plant at Mahle’s Vaihingen-Enz site is a landmark achievement. It reflects the company’s commitment to decarbonisation and energy efficiency. With over 1,000 Sunmaxx hybrid modules, the plant will generate green electricity and thermal energy, thus setting a benchmark for other industrial facilities.


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