Cost-effective, CO2-neutral, integrated - Meyer Burger hybrid collectors in pioneering “Suurstoffi” development project in Rotkreuz, Switzerland
Meyer Burger hybrid collector technology reduces the use of non-renewable energy sources in combination with other system components in the pioneering “Suurstoffi” project located near the railway station in Rotkreuz, Switzerland. The local energy is harvested on the roof, stored in the ground and raised to the required temperatures at the desired time with the aid of heat pumps. This provides the entire "Suurstoffi" development, which is being built by the Zug Estates Group, with an emission-free supply of electricity and heat.
By 2018 an integrated, traffic-free district in which living, working and leisure activities are combined will have been built on the "Suurstoffi" site in Rotkreuz-Risch in central Switzerland. When complete, the "Suurstoffi" development will provide space for 1,500 residents and around 2,500 jobs. The initial building stage was completed in spring 2013. The residential concept offers an impressive diversity of well-thought-out floor plans and high quality materials. In the first phase with some 230 apartments, there are no less than 160 different floor plans.
Second building phase
In a second building phase, with an investment volume of around 100 million Swiss francs, Zug Estates is erecting an office building and a residential development with nine buildings. The entire "Suurstoffi" development is based on a CO2-free energy concept and as part this concept, all building roofs in the second phase are fitted with hybrid collectors from Meyer Burger. The Swiss-made hybrid collectors from Thun are capable of increasing the development’s degree of self-sufficiency from 67 % to 80 %. The degree of self-sufficiency will be further increased in the planned third building stage.
Aesthetic integration
The high degree of energy self-sufficiency can only be achieved by making the maximum possible use of the incident sunlight. With this in mind, the maximum number of hybrid collectors was fitted. The architects and energy specialists developed a solution in which the hybrid collectors were arranged horizontally over the entire roof area of the buildings in the second construction phase. The resulting southerly inclination increased the energy yield of each collector while the spacing required between the horizontal module rows reduced the number of collectors installed by at least 30%. This roof layout enabled the highest possible energy yield per square meter of roof space as well as the most aesthetically pleasing appearance. The level-equalizing solar module fastening system was conceived specifically for the “Suurstoffi” development by Meyer Burger in collaboration with the local specialist, Bosshard AG. The design enables the modules to be fitted flush with the edge of the roof. The hybrid systems on all of the roofs have safety guards parallel with the roof edge that cast no shadows on the collectors.
Smart energy concept
Zug Estates has set itself the goal of ensuring that its properties can be utilized without additional energy input from external sources and to emit no CO2 as a result of their use (Vision Zero-Zero). These ambitious goals are already being achieved on the “Suurstoffi” site.
The ingenious energy concept works through the use of geothermal and solar energy. In winter, energy is extracted from the geothermal probe array made up of 220 probes; in summer, the excess heat from the roof or from the office and residential spaces is gathered and stored. A system of pipes linking all the buildings (energy network) enables heat to be exchanged between the buildings. For example, waste heat from an office building can be used to produce hot water in the residential buildings. Photovoltaic modules and hybrid collectors generate the energy required to operate the plant, in particular the heat pumps, on site. The balancing of the current between the imported and produced electricity takes place via the public grid. The efficiency of the system is achieved thanks to the low operating costs and the freely available cooling. Needless to say, the efficient energy concept ensures a pleasant indoor climate all year round.
For further information, please contact:
Sandro Spichiger
Marketing Communications
Tel: +41 (0) 33 221 23 95
sandro.spichiger@meyerburger.com
Ingrid Carstensen
Corporate Communications
Tel +41 (0)33 221 28 34
ingrid.carstensen@meyerburger.com
About Meyer Burger Technology Ltd
www.meyerburger.com
Meyer Burger is a leading global technology Group specialising on innovative systems and processes based on semiconductor technologies. The Group’s focus is on photovoltaics (solar industry) while its competencies and technologies also cover important areas of the semiconductor and the optoelectronic industries as well as other selected high-end markets based on semiconductor materials. The Group currently employs more than 1,900 people across three continents. Over the past ten years, Meyer Burger has risen to the forefront of the photovoltaic market and established itself as an international premium brand by offering superior precision products and innovative technologies.
The Group’s offering in systems, production equipment and services along the photovoltaic value chain includes the manufacturing processes for wafers, solar cells, solar modules and solar systems. Meyer Burger provides substantial added value to its customers and clearly differentiates itself from its competitors by focusing on the entire value chain.
The Group’s comprehensive product portfolio is complemented by a worldwide service network with spare parts, consumables, process know-how, customer support, after-sales services, training and other services. Meyer Burger Group is represented in Europe, Asia and North America in the respective key markets and has subsidiaries and own service centres in China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan and the USA. The Group is also working intensively to develop new markets such as South America, Africa and the Arab region. The registered shares of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (Ticker: MBTN).
THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT BEING ISSUED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND SHOULD NOT BE DISTRIBUTED TO U.S. PERSONS OR PUBLICATIONS WITH A GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR INVITATION TO SUBSCRIBE FOR, EXCHANGE OR PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITIES OF MEYER BURGER TECHNOLOGY LTD HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR DELIVERED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS ABSENT REGISTRATION UNDER OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS.
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements”, such as guidance, expectations, plans, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. The reader is cautioned that actual future results may differ from those expressed in or implied by the statements, which constitute projections of possible developments. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on data available to Meyer Burger Technology Ltd as of the date that this press release is published. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
