Leipzig relies on solar energy: 15 new PV systems are being planned!

Leipzig relies on solar energy: 15 new PV systems are being planned!

Leipzig continues to rely on renewable energies. The city recently announced that it produces approximately 2,300 megawatt hours of sustainable green electricity annually, equivalent to the average annual consumption of approximately 1,000 single-person households. Leipziginfo.de reports, that 38 new photovoltaic systems have been built on municipal roofs in recent years, while a further 15 systems are under construction or in preparation for 2025.

One of the most recent installations can be found on the 3,370 square meter roof of the Kurt Masur School. This system has a maximum output of 99 kilowatts and is operated by Leipziger Kommunale Energiesicherheit GmbH (LKE). Remarkably, around 70 percent of the electricity generated is used directly in the school. The initiative for the installation came from both the city and the school community, including teachers and parents.

Future workshops and sustainable initiatives

The acting headmaster Christiane Dubiel points out the importance of a future workshop in which students work on sustainable development goals. These educational initiatives are part of a broader city strategy to promote renewable energy on community rooftops, which also includes the modernization of existing energy infrastructure. The LKE is a key factor in this process as it enables standardized and accelerated procedures for the installation of photovoltaic systems.

In recent years, systems have been built with a maximum total output of 2.1 megawatt peak and annual increases of 1 to 1.5 megawatt peak are planned. Around 50 to 70 percent of the electricity produced is used by the municipal facilities themselves, while the rest is fed into the public grid.

Outlook and innovation projects

The city of Leipzig has around 3,000 suitable roof areas, which have been examined for their suitability for photovoltaic systems since a city council resolution in 2020. One planned project is a photovoltaic carport in the P+R parking lot at the Neue Messe, which is intended to achieve a target output of 1 megawatt peak. Such projects not only support the energy transition, but also promote the local economy.

The advantages of photovoltaics are clear: Photovoltaic systems generally pay for themselves in terms of energy within one to two years. These systems are not subject to the European emissions trading system (EU-ETS), which makes them an economically attractive alternative to fossil fuels. The lifespan of photovoltaic modules, which is often between 25 and 30 years, also speaks for their use from a sustainable perspective. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that the recycling rate for old photovoltaic modules in Germany is 92.4%, which represents an additional positive ecological aspect.

Overall, Leipzig's commitment to the use of photovoltaics shows both the will to the energy transition and the future-oriented approach that the city council is pursuing. Progress in this area not only offers ecological benefits, but also contributes to an increased awareness of sustainability in society.