The photovoltaic system is part of a holistic solution that covers all aspects of energy generation and distribution and, according to Hans-Georg Krabbe, CEO of ABB Germany, will cover up to 100 percent of the electricity demand in Lüdenscheid on sunny days: "With this flagship project, we are demonstrating the advantages that arise when you create a system in which all components are digitally networked with each other and can be controlled in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability and resource conservation." The factory of the manufacturer of building automation solutions is the ABB Group's first CO2-neutral and energy self-sufficient factory worldwide.

The 3500 square meter photovoltaic system installed above the parking spaces on the company premises will supply around 1100 MWh of climate-neutral solar power per year - roughly the annual requirements of 3360 private households. In combination with a combined heat and power plant, which operates with twice the energy efficiency of a coal-fired power plant, around 14% more energy can be generated than is required at the site. The surplus production is fed into the public power grid. To cover peak demand, additional green energy is purchased from MVV Energie, which, according to Krabbe, guarantees 100% CO2-neutral production.

In addition to the energy management system and the photovoltaic system with inverters, the overall system combines other technologies from ABB that are digitally networked with each other. For example, a BESS (Battery Engine Storage System) battery storage system with an output of 200 kW and a capacity of 275 kWh is responsible for energy storage. In addition, charging stations, where employees and visitors can charge their electric vehicles free of charge, further improve the regional eco-balance.

In total, the showcase site will save around 630 tons of CO2 per year.