Largest thin-film roof membrane solar power plant in Switzerland on the roof of the stands of the venue for the yearly held CSIO tournament. Since the fourth quarter of 2008, the PV plant with a peak power of 57 kWp produces about 42’000 kWh of solar power per year.

Within the context of renovation work for the CSIO stadium, an opportunity was sought to use the new roof area for solar power production. Because of the shading due to a special roof holding cable structure, an innovative and aesthetically optimal integrated solution for the maximum solar energy output was sought. In a preliminary study energieburo reviewed more than 10 different possible solutions for their suitability and feasibility. The chosen thin-film technology is relatively new on the market and shows the way to modern solar power production by way of being solution-oriented, unique, and innovative.

It is the first roof-integrated thin-film membrane PV power plant in Switzerland. With its expected yearly electricity production of 42’000 kWh/a, solar energy can be supplied for about 14 average households. This solar power plant can be rightfully called the pioneer project of the solar industry in Switzerland.  It was awarded the Swiss solar prize 2009.

Investor solar power plant
Utility company of St. Gallen (Sankt Galler Stadtwerke)

Architect
Forrer Krebs Ley, St. Gallen

Profile
- Type of solar power plant: building-integrated thin-film-membrane PV power plant
- Installed peak power: 56.4 kWp
- Expected energy yield: 42’000 kWh/a,
- Solar technology: Triple-junction thin-film solar cells made from amorphous silicon
- Orientation of solar modules:. +42° SW (azimuth)
- Module inclination: 11°
- Energy pay-back: 2 years
- CO2-savings: 23 tons per year

Awards
- Swiss Solar Prize 2009