Hilcona is investing 2.3 million Swiss francs in solar power, installing rooftop PV modules on its existing and new buildings in Schaan. The project will generate an estimated 1,770 megawatt hours of power annually and incorporates green roofs to enhance biodiversity, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Impact of the Rooftop PV Project
As a leading food producer based in Liechtenstein, Hilcona is taking a significant step towards sustainability by investing 2.3 million Swiss francs in solar power. This move marks a notable expansion of the company’s renewable energy sources.
Over the coming weeks, Hilcona will begin installing photovoltaic (PV) modules on its existing buildings in Schaan. Once approved, these modules will also be placed on new roof spaces created by the plant’s development project.
Image: Collected
Hilcona plans to install rooftop PV modules on all technically suitable roofs at its Schaan location. The newly developed buildings will also feature extensive green roofs with native plants to enhance biodiversity. This combination of solar panels and green roofs underscores the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The PV systems are projected to generate approximately 1,770 megawatt hours of power annually for the company’s own use—an amount equivalent to the average consumption of 708 households. The installed capacity will reach 1,403 kilowatts peak (kWp). Hilcona also plans to meet its remaining energy needs with other low-emission sources to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Liechtenstein Commits to Rooftop PV Systems
Over the past few decades, interest in renewable energy—particularly solar power—has been growing in Liechtenstein. Most of the country’s solar energy comes from PV arrays mounted on building roofs. The largest of these sits 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, and Schaanwald.
Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, is well-suited for solar PV power generation thanks to its geographic location at a latitude of 47.1322 and a longitude of 9.5115. This positioning means the city experiences significant seasonal variation in solar energy production.
During the summer months, longer daylight hours and a higher sun position result in an average daily yield of 5.71 kilowatt-hours per kilowatt (kWh/kW) of installed capacity. 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 and face south to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the year. The region’s Northern Temperate Zone climate, however, with its cold winters and moderate rainfall, can impact solar production. Rain or snow can block direct sunlight or reduce panel efficiency through temperature fluctuations.
To mitigate these environmental factors, a monitoring system can provide alerts when panel efficiency drops, allowing for the prompt removal of debris like snow or leaves. Using durable, weather-resistant materials and ensuring proper drainage around the installation site can also enhance system performance. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspections, is crucial for keeping the system at peak efficiency.
In 2015, the SolarSuperState ranking marked a significant milestone for Liechtenstein, which led the world in per-capita photovoltaic application, surpassing Germany for the top spot in the Solar category. Despite its geographical limitations for wind energy, Liechtenstein has shown a clear commitment to expanding its solar energy capacity.
Hilcona’s investment in solar power is a clear sign of 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 renewables and sets an example for other companies in the region. As later phases of the project await approval, Hilcona remains focused on achieving its sustainability goals and supporting the transition to clean energy.
