swissQprint has begun generating solar power at its HQ. The photovoltaic installation is set to cover more than half of the electricity needed at the Schützenwiese building complex in Kriessern, where swissQprint is housed.
The solar array, which has 1276 photovoltaic panels, has been connected to the electricity grid this month. It is installed on the roof of swissQprint's main production hall and will produce around 613,000 kWh of electricity a year. This corresponds to more than half of electricity demand at the Schützenwiese business park, where swissQprint is one of the largest companies. The solar panels will also power eight newly erected charging stations for electric vehicles.
“The solar project brings us a big step forward in terms of sustainability and self-sufficiency,” said Reto Eicher, co-owner of swissQprint and the project coordinator.
When the business park was built back in 2013/14, the construction clients including swissQprint put strong emphasis on sustainability. Building services are independent of fossil fuels. Interiors are heated and cooled by groundwater. Electric pumps drive the heat exchange system, which will be powered in future from the photovoltaic installation.
Swiss building standards are high by international comparison and the Schützenwiese business park exceeds the standard for industrial buildings. That includes the insulation R-value of the building envelope and windows, as well as automatic sun blinds. Optimised temperature management is the objective throughout.
The entire building complex uses energy-saving LED lighting. Furthermore, both swissQprint production halls have saw-tooth roofs that admit ample natural light into the building interior. This makes artificial lighting superfluous at times and further reduces electricity consumption.