Thin-film modules were mounted on 40,000 mounting systems from the Conergy Linea line and connected via 28 inverters from the Conergy Deutschland IPG 300K series. The plant produces over nine million kilowatt hours of clean power annually – enough to cover the entire yearly needs of over 2,400 households in Trier and its surroundings. Already in the first 100 days of operation, the solar power plant generated over a million kilowatt hours of power. The environment also profits from this: Over the solar park’s 20 year long minimum lifespan, it will save over 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
“Rhineland-Palatinate is relying on a broad expansion of local energy, primarily on fuel-free, and therefore emission-free, sun, wind and geothermal energy, as well as climate neutral bio energy. For this reason, we need an extensive investment, mainly from local utilities. With their investment in this solar park, Trier Utilities not only makes a contribution to the expansion of renewable domestic production, but also to climate protection, as well as to the long-term stability of the energy supply,” emphasized Minister of the Environment Margit Conrad.
Dr. Olaf Hornfeck, chairman of the Trier Region Industrial Park, also expressed his pleasure over the completion of the solar park: “With this project, we are meeting the environmental challenge of our times and also our responsibility as a utility company – that climate protection begins at home,” declared Hornfeck as he spoke about the motivation behind SWT’s expansion in renewable energies in the region.
“The solar power plant is a project with many winners. Because it not only contributes to the immediate necessity of climate protection, but at the same time, notably boosts the regional economy,” emphasized Klaus Jensen, mayor of the City of Trier and chairman of SWT Administration. Gunther Schartz, chairman of the Trier Region Industrial Park (IRT), elaborated, “The IRT, as an innovatively and sophisticatedly designed commercial zone, has experienced a pleasant upgrading through this modern solar park. The project represents the optimal connection between efficiency and renewable energy production – so that power generation and power demand can grow together in the quickest way.”
“We are proud to have realized such an important project in Trier and are pleased that the Municipal Utilities placed their trust in us as being experienced and one of the largest suppliers and project developers of solar technology worldwide,” stated Conergy Deutschland Director Norbert Apfel. “The project shows that even utility companies can be increasingly active in solar power generation. Even during the current financial crisis, many new customer groups are discovering that photovoltaics presents a secure and sought-after investment,” explained Apfel. Trier Municipal Utilities, operator of the solar power plant, ensures the power supply for over 100,000 regional inhabitants. While up to now this power has been provided by large hydro power stations in Austria, the Municipal Utilities is now relying on solar power, which is produced regionally and directly used. “We are very confident that even more power suppliers will follow the example of Trier Municipal Utilities and make a contribution to the expansion of renewable energy as well,” continued Apfel.
