Commercial real estate is self-sufficient for electricity
Published on 29 May 2018

Sweden
Burgenland
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About this good practice
Strömmafastigheter is a real estate company, that owns a former industrial site. Today it´s used for different operations, for example a science center, schools and food industries. They are in two connected buildings that are supported by the same heating and power system. The property uses approximately 1.2 million kWh power per year.
The property owner thinks energy issues are highly prioritized because energy is the biggest expense within the company. The solar cell plant will reduce the company’s energy costs.
The investment in solar cells means that the company can be self-sufficient on electricity. When the original industry was in the premises, a smaller hydropower plant was built directly adjacent to one of the buildings. Water power produces a large proportion of the electricity used in the property. However, during the summer the waterflow in the river is low and they need additional electricity. In addition, during the summer, the need to cool premises in the science center and in the food industry increases. Therefore, solar cells are a very good complement. All the electricity from the solar cells are used in the buildings in Strömma. During the winter months, hydropower sometimes gives more electricity than they consume themselves. On such occasions, Strömmafastigheter sells the surplus.
The building area is approximately 5000 m2. The roof surface covered with solar cells is 1200 m2. It´s 600-700 solar modules and the installed power is 190 kW
The property owner thinks energy issues are highly prioritized because energy is the biggest expense within the company. The solar cell plant will reduce the company’s energy costs.
The investment in solar cells means that the company can be self-sufficient on electricity. When the original industry was in the premises, a smaller hydropower plant was built directly adjacent to one of the buildings. Water power produces a large proportion of the electricity used in the property. However, during the summer the waterflow in the river is low and they need additional electricity. In addition, during the summer, the need to cool premises in the science center and in the food industry increases. Therefore, solar cells are a very good complement. All the electricity from the solar cells are used in the buildings in Strömma. During the winter months, hydropower sometimes gives more electricity than they consume themselves. On such occasions, Strömmafastigheter sells the surplus.
The building area is approximately 5000 m2. The roof surface covered with solar cells is 1200 m2. It´s 600-700 solar modules and the installed power is 190 kW
Resources needed
The investment cost for the photovoltaic plant was 187 000 Euro
The company will get 30 % of the cost as a national grant, 52 000 Euro.
The company will get 30 % of the cost as a national grant, 52 000 Euro.
Evidence of success
The prognosis for the solar plant was a production about 190 000 kWh/year. During the first year the production was slighly less than 190 000 kWh. During July and August the production was less tan expected due to bad weather conditions.
Potential for learning or transfer
The current photovoltaics is a very good example of solarplant optimization. By adding solar cells to existing hydropower, solelectricity provide an additional boost when needed most. In addition, the business has its peak power consumption during the day, which means that all the electricity produced can be used directly in the buildings.
The owner also emphasizes that he sees the measure as an energy efficiency. With the long life of the solar cells, it is an investment with a good return that more property owners should invest in. The payoff time is set to 7-10 years.
The real estate company has several properties. They are now planning to review the possibilities of installing solar cells on all properties.
The owner also emphasizes that he sees the measure as an energy efficiency. With the long life of the solar cells, it is an investment with a good return that more property owners should invest in. The payoff time is set to 7-10 years.
The real estate company has several properties. They are now planning to review the possibilities of installing solar cells on all properties.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Strömmafastigheter AB

Sweden
Sydsverige
Contact
Projectmanager