Hilcona is investing 2.3 million Swiss francs in solar power by installing rooftop PV modules on its existing and new buildings in Schaan. This initiative aims to generate 1,770-megawatt hours of power annually and includes green roofs to enhance biodiversity, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainability.
Impact of the Rooftop PV Project
Hilcona, a leading food producer based in Liechtenstein, is taking significant strides towards sustainability by investing 2.3 million Swiss francs in solar power. This investment marks a notable expansion in the company's renewable energy sources. Over the coming weeks, Hilcona will begin installing photovoltaic (PV) modules on its existing buildings in Schaan. These modules will also be placed on new roof spaces created as part of the plant's development project, pending approval.
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The company aims to install rooftop PV modules on all technically suitable roofs at their Schaan location. The newly developed buildings will feature extensive green roofs, emphasizing native plants to enhance biodiversity. This integration of green roofs with rooftop PV modules underscores Hilcona's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The PV systems are projected to generate approximately 1,770 megawatt hours of self-sufficient power annually. This amount of energy is equivalent to the average annual consumption of 708 households. The installed capacity will reach 1,403 kilowatts peak (kWp). Hilcona also plans to cover its remaining energy requirements using other low-emission sources, further reducing its carbon footprint.
Liechtenstein Commits to Rooftop PV Systems
Liechtenstein has seen a growing interest in renewable energy, particularly solar power, over recent decades. The country primarily generates solar energy through PV arrays mounted on building roofs. The largest PV array in Liechtenstein is atop the Gründenmoos tennis hall, boasting an installed power output of 112 kWp.
Other notable installations include industrial buildings in Balzers with 80 kWp and 70 kWp systems; a logistics centre in Schaan with an 86 kWp system; and various smaller arrays on agricultural and industrial buildings across Triesen, Vaduz, Schaanwald, and other locations.
Vaduz, the capital city of Liechtenstein, is well-suited for solar PV power generation due to its geographic location at a latitude of 47.1322 and a longitude of 9.5115. The city experiences significant variation in solar energy production throughout the year.
During the summer months, the average daily yield of solar energy is 5.71 kilowatt-hours per kilowatt (kWh/kW) of installed capacity, thanks to longer daylight hours and a higher sun position. In spring, this yield drops slightly to an average of 4.85 kWh/kW per day.
Managing Rooftop PV Systems
For optimal performance, fixed solar panel installations in Vaduz should be tilted at an angle of approximately 40 degrees facing south. This orientation maximizes sunlight exposure throughout the year. However, the region's Northern Temperate Zone climate which is characterized by cold winters and moderate rainfall can impact solar production. Rain or snow can block direct sunlight or reduce panel efficiency due to temperature fluctuations.
To mitigate these environmental factors, it is recommended to install a monitoring system that alerts when panel efficiency drops. This allows for the timely removal of debris such as snow or leaves. Using durable materials resistant to local weather conditions and ensuring proper drainage around the installation site can also enhance system performance. Regular maintenance (including cleaning and inspections) is crucial to maintaining optimal efficiency.
According to the SolarSuperState ranking in 2015, Liechtenstein achieved a significant milestone by leading the world in per-capita photovoltaic application. This small state surpassed Germany to take the top spot in the Solar category. Despite its geographical limitations for wind energy, Liechtenstein has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding its solar energy capacity.
Hilcona's investment in solar power is a testament to the company's dedication to sustainability and renewable energy. By harnessing the power of the sun, Hilcona aims to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. This initiative aligns with Liechtenstein's broader efforts to embrace renewable energy and serves as a model for other companies in the region to follow. As the approval process for the new roof spaces progresses, Hilcona remains committed to achieving its sustainability goals and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.