Leipzig starts the largest solar thermal system-climate neutrality in view!

Leipzig starts the largest solar thermal system-climate neutrality in view!

Lausen-Grünau, Deutschland - The Leipzig Stadtwerke, together with Ritter Solar in Lausen-Grünau, put one of the largest solar thermal systems in Germany into operation. With the installation of 13,200 vacuum tube collectors, the initiative pursues the goal of creating climate-neutral district heating. The planned continuous operation of the system is scheduled to start in May 2026. At the moment, connection lines between the collectors are still required before the system is fully functional. These collectors are installed on inclined stands, the heights of which vary between 94 cm and 2.54 m. The area of ​​the collectors takes up almost half of the entire 14 hectare area, with only 0.01 % of the area being sealed.

solar thermal systems offer high area efficiency and generate significantly more energy in a smaller space than their counterparts. According to [lvz.de] (https://www.lvz.de/lokales/solarthermiein-in-leipzig-lausen-sser-als-als--s- or-in-achraft-ba3uzbemkrejnm3nkvt2SQ.html), the use of vacuum tube collectors enables the production of three times more energy With regard to the area as photovoltaics, and even 30 to 45 times more than biomass. This speaks for the superiority of this technology, especially in urban areas.

Positive echo of residents and nature conservation

The feedback from residents for the new solar thermal system are consistently positive. Many residents appreciate the facility as an environmentally friendly alternative to wind turbines. The NABU nature conservation association also shows a fundamental positive attitude to the project, even if not all suggestions have been implemented. Stadtwerke Leipzig invest a considerable seven -digit amount in nature conservation. The measures include planting fruit trees on the paths and the use of sheep to grazing the site.

Solar thermal not only has advantages with regard to the heat generated. In summer, the system can cover up to 20 % of the daily heat requirement in Leipzig, saving about 7160 tons of CO₂ per year, according to the municipal utility. The technology building of the system is also equipped with photovoltaics to support the company sustainably.

Technical aspects of the vacuum tube collectors

The vacuum tube collectors that are used in Lausen-Grünau are special solar heating devices that efficiently convert heat from sunlight due to their construction. Compared to flat collectors, they impress with better thermal insulation and lower heat loss. Especially at higher temperatures and colder outside temperatures, they show high area efficiency. The market offers a variety of different models that differ in technical aspects, such as flexible or double -walled glass tubes and different flow systems. While well -walled tubes are usually cheaper, double -walled models offer more robustness and better insulation.

The innovative construction of the CPC vacuum tube collectors comprises two merged glass tubes with a vacuum in the space to minimize heat losses. These elements contribute to the efficiency of the entire system, which is optimized by the targeted use of vacuum technology. The choice of suitable technology is crucial for the profitability and sustainability of the energy generation from solar thermal applications.