Mahle plans to decarbonise its Vaihingen-Enz site in Germany by installing the country’s largest PVT plant, featuring over 1,000 hybrid modules from Sunmaxx. These modules will generate both electricity and heat simultaneously, supporting Mahle’s climate goals as part of its ‘Mahle 2030+’ strategy.
PVT Plant: A Milestone in Renewable Energy
Spanning nearly 2,000 square metres, the PVT plant will feature over 1,000 hybrid modules from Sunmaxx, a European manufacturer and strategic partner of Mahle. The modules are designed to generate both electricity and heat simultaneously—a dual functionality that sets them apart from traditional photovoltaic panels.
The plant will supply the Mahle facility with over 430 kilowatt-peak (kWp) of green electricity and approximately 1.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of thermal energy each year. This renewable system is expected to make the Vaihingen-Enz site nearly independent of natural gas.
Installation of Sunmaxx’s hybrid modules is scheduled to begin in February 2025, with full commissioning of the plant expected by July 2025. Once operational, the PVT plant will serve as a model for other industrial facilities aiming to reduce their carbon emissions.
Strategic Goals for Decarbonisation
Jumana Al-Sibai, a member of the Mahle Group’s management board, emphasised the project’s significance, stating, “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 landmark initiative is a key part of Mahle’s long-term vision to decarbonise its operations and inspire similar efforts across its global sites.
Sunmaxx, a leader in the field, plays a critical role in this project. CEO Wilhelm Stein highlighted the economic benefits of PVT technology, explaining, “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, storing heat generated during the summer for use in winter to enhance energy efficiency.
Why PVT Technology Matters
PVT technology is an advanced solution that combines the benefits of photovoltaic and thermal systems. Unlike standard solar panels, these modules generate both electricity and heat, making 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.
Ultimately, Mahle’s PVT plant marks a significant step towards energy independence for its Vaihingen-Enz facility. By harnessing renewable energy from over 1,000 Sunmaxx hybrid modules, the site will reduce its reliance on natural gas. This strategic shift will also protect the company from fluctuating gas prices, contribute to long-term cost savings, and set a new benchmark for industrial decarbonisation.
