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Leipzig's solar heat revolution: large-scale system almost completed!
Stadtwerke Leipzig is completing construction of the solar thermal system in Lausen-Grünau, which will go into operation in 2026 and promises high CO2 savings.
Leipzig's solar heat revolution: large-scale system almost completed!
Stadtwerke Leipzig has taken a significant step in the energy transition. The last of a total of 13,200 vacuum tube collectors for a new solar thermal system was installed in the Lausen-Grünau district. This large-scale system, which is scheduled to go into operation at the beginning of 2026, makes a significant contribution to the city's sustainable heat supply and symbolizes the progress of Leipzig's energy policy. With an installed collector area of 65,208 m², it takes up an area of 14 hectares and will generate around 26 GWh of heat annually. This output corresponds to the peak load of around 41 MW.
The solar thermal system is expected to cover an estimated 20% of Leipzig's daily district heating needs during the summer months. Operating the system saves around 7,160 tons of CO2 annually, which represents a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The XL 19/49 type vacuum tube collectors used are specially equipped with CPC mirrors from the “AquaSystem” from Ritter XL Solar. Each collector has a gross collector area of 4.94 m² and weighs 72 kg. The hydraulic connection via a pipe network enables efficient use of heat, with pure water serving as a heat transfer medium and the entire system being controlled automatically.
Technological efficiency and environmental sustainability
Solar thermal energy is a space-efficient technology for generating renewable heat. Unlike photovoltaics, it can produce around three times more energy on the same area and even 30 to 45 times more than biomass. This technology has proven to be particularly resource-saving and actively supports heating systems in households and industry. According to the Federal Environment Agency, solar panels provide around 60% of the hot water required each year and help save fossil fuels such as oil and gas.
The municipal utility's decision to use vacuum tube collectors could prove particularly advantageous as these collectors offer a higher energy yield than flat-plate collectors, albeit at a higher investment cost. For homeowners, the question of the economic viability of such an investment often arises, which depends on many factors, including the condition of the building, heating system and regional fuel prices.
A step into the future
The solar thermal system project is not only a technological advance, but also part of a comprehensive concept to transform the heat supply in Leipzig. In addition, an ecological care concept was developed that ensures the biodiversity of the area and thus makes a positive environmental contribution. During implementation, only around 0.01% surface sealing was achieved in the collector field.
It is repeatedly emphasized that solar thermal energy not only addresses current challenges in energy supply, but also contributes to fulfilling the obligations of the Building Energy Act. From 2024, new buildings must be powered by at least 65% renewable energy, and from 2026 this also applies to existing buildings. The installation of solar thermal systems could therefore be both ecologically and economically beneficial in the long term.
Further information on the progress and developments in district heating supply in Leipzig can be found on the website www.zukunft-fernwaerme.de available.