Audi to Add Solar-Power to Ingoldstadt Plant

16 December, 2009 08:58:00

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Audi will install solar panels on the roof of its assembly plant in Ingoldstadt in Germany, for practical testing of new photovoltaic technologies by Munich-based Green City Energy.

Photovoltaic modules will be installed there over a surface area of 11,600 square meters (124,861 square feet) in the weeks ahead.

Audi said that the modules are expected to generate 1,000 MWh of electricity annually, which is comparable to the consumption of 220 four-person households.

Photovoltaic Panels on the roof of the Toolmaking Shop, on a parking deck at the technical development center, and a third location south of the plant will begin supplying the power grid in early 2010.

Four new types of modules will be used. Along with the structural aspect and the nature and angle of the roof, decisive factors for selection included the innovative qualities, efficiency and energy balance of the modules in particular.

The installation of further modules – covering an area of 8,700 square meters (93,646 square feet) – is already planned for the Ingolstadt site. Altogether, the photovoltaic systems installed at headquarters will then produce 1,900 MWh of electricity.

Audi is also considering solar installations at the Neckarsulm campus, its second-largest facility. Neckarsulm could get as much as 33,000 square meters (355,209 square feet) for solar installations, with a total maximum output (under optimum conditions) of up to 2.0 MWh.

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