Photovoltaic specialist from Balingen prevails Europe-wide / photovoltaic on landfills is one of their special subjects

Balingen/Freiburg/Schömberg. The “solar city“ Freiburg and relatio realize an ambitious project together within this year: a PV plant on a former landfill of 17.500 sq m. Construction works will start on 4^th October. The plant will be five times bigger than the largest solar power plants in Freiburg. Moreover relatio could deliver valuable know-how in regards to the project “Herrleswasen” in Schömberg which came to a standstill.

The idea is as obvious as meaningful: Using former landfills as basis for solar parks is an important component in the future-oriented energy concept. The former landfill “Eichelbuck” in Freiburg is now being prepared for such an alternative energy generation.
On 12^th July of this year the citizens passed their up to now most comprehensive solar intend. In Baden-Württemberg the photovoltaic plant of 17.500 sq m realized on a landfill will be the second largest plant according to its type. An annual requirement of 1.000 households will be covered by the generated current.

Freiburg trusts in the expertise of the company from Balingen, as they decided to choose relatio in terms of a Europe-wide invitation to tender. Even if relatio is able to draw on substantiated expertise in realizing similar plants, this project brings a high level of complexity and challenge: The ambitious aim is to already connect this large PV plant to the grid within this year, as the feed-in tariff will be reduced again from the beginning of 2012. Furthermore the planners and constructors have to deal with difficult construction conditions. The construction racks for the PV modules may not run through the landfill sealing. The slope is up to 22 degrees and requires the constructor’s entire know-how.

Managing Director Bernd Bodmer is confident: “They think we are capable of doing that. In fact already within this year.“ His company realized numerous ground-mounted photovoltaic plants in Germany and worldwide – many of them on difficult grounds, in impassable terrain or under extreme climatic conditions during the construction period – from minus 20 up to more than plus 40 degrees.“

We have learned a lot during the realization of each project and refined our procedures and technologies.“ The enterpriser would like to give proof of the gained know-how directly in front of his door: For example in Schömberg. “We think that the solar use of the landfill Herrleswasen is a good idea.“ In the meantime his company would be experienced in this kind of projects. “In fact we are experienced not only in construction but especially in the development. This is important to exclude procedural errors up front.“
The enterpriser from Balingen and his employees are looking forward to a fair chance in terms of a regular invitation to tender. “We would be pleased to realize this project in our home district.“