PHILIPPSBURG, Germany (Jan. 13, 2011) — Goodyear Dunlop Tires Germany G.m.b.H. has installed the largest rooftop solar-power-generating station in Europe at its tire distribution center in Philippsburg, capable of producing 7.3 million kilowatt-hours per year.
The installation—95,500 solar panels covering 936,200 square feet—can produce enough electricity to cover the annual requirements of 1,800 households, according to the system's designer Juwi Group, which claims this is the third largest rooftop solar power system in the world.
Neither Goodyear nor Juwi disclosed the cost of the installation, which uses thin-film modules produced by First Solar Inc. of Tempe, Ariz.
“Companies that use their buildings for energy production observe not only an improved image, but can create additional income,” said Lars Falck, managing director of Juwi Solar. “In addition, surfaces are used in an efficient and economic matter.”
“With this installation…we continue our environmental management and contribute to a reduction of CO2 emissions,” said Eberhard Louis, director, distribution and operation, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Goodyear Dunlop Europe. The Philippsburg center distributes tires to customers in more than 120 countries.
Woerrstadt, Germany-based Juwi Group designs, builds, finances and operates plants that harness renewable energies. It's been involved in installations using solar, wind, bio, hydro and geothermal energy.