25
Sep

Energy self-sufficient with SUNfarming solar power

The "Hotel am Peenetal" is the first hotel in Germany that can be operated by renewable energy alone from 2018.

A total of 200 kWp SUNfarming Solar systems provide the 2008 completed complex, including a spa with brine basin and swimming pool, with solar power in the future. Installed 120 kWp on the former cowshed and 80 kWp distributed on 5 carports. An energy concept was established even before the start of construction. In addition to the PV systems, heat is obtained from heat pumps with deep bores. A Eventsaal with 200 seats is heated with floor and wall heating. In principle, only LED lighting is used and an energy-saving technology ensures the water treatment.
"In the future, the hotel will be able to operate with renewable energy alone. This is probably unique for Germany and the project is waiting for imitation, "explains Julius Jäger, SUNfarming project manager.

14
Sep

Unanimous decision for SUNfarming Food & Energy

Local council in Wittingen unanimously votes in the town hall on 30 August for the first joint Food & Energy investment project by SUNfarming and KoNaMo (Competence Network for Sustainable Mobility)

This is another important step towards the realization of the first large SUNfarming oasis for Food & Energy plants in Germany.
The metalworking Butting Group provides almost 3 ha of land in Knesebeck for the construction. The parcel is located directly behind the premises and will be leased to the project. The roofs of the solar greenhouses are partially occupied with PV modules for power generation, the area in the greenhouse under the modules is used for the cultivation of regionally produced food.
KoNaMo is based in Berlin, where actors and strategies, technologies and application scenarios for sustainable mobility in Germany are brought together.
"The Butting GmbH is an optimal project partner for us because the power is 100% accepted on weekends," explains Holger Schönherr SUNfarming project manager.
"With our Food & Energy facilities, we can give around 20 people from crisis areas, long-term unemployed and people with disabilities a chance to qualify for the first job market each year," adds Holger Schönherr.
In addition, managers should also be trained to take care of the operation and the marketing. According to the city council, the company's partners are the Oskar Kämmer School and the Federal Employment Agency.
The SUNfarming Food & Energy Training concept of solar greenhouses has been successfully applied and tested in Africa. South Africa has the best experience with this concept and we want to establish this concept in Germany as well.
The goal is to start construction by the middle of next year.