PVT technology of the future: soblue supplies green process energy in the new building of Carrosserie Pfister AG
The powerful multi-NRG collectors from soblue are key to the efficient use of renewable energy sources in sustainable industrial and commercial buildings
August 21, 2024 - soblue, leading manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic thermal systems, has built and commissioned the most modern and efficient PVT system in Europe for Carrosserie Pfister AG in Herisau/Switzerland. Together with strong partners in the field of geothermal probes and heat pumps, the soblue energy system supplies the industrial building and the process plants with electricity, heat and cooling - completely fossil-free. With the new building, the processes designed for efficiency and sustainability and the completely fossil-free energy supply system, Carrosserie Pfister AG is demonstrating innovative strength, ecological responsibility and foresight that sets standards beyond the industry.
Powerful multi-NRG panels for multifunctional energy solutions
The multi-NRG modules from soblue use renewable solar energy and ambient temperature to generate electricity, heat and cooling at the same time. Each 2.1 m2 panel achieves a maximum output of up to 440 Wp (electrical) and 1,350 Wp (thermal). Compared to conventional PV collectors, the soblue panels therefore achieve a multiple energy yield on the same surface area. Their overall efficiency in relation to the captured solar energy is an impressive 81 % in the laboratory, and no less impressive 55 to 65 % in everyday practice. The efficiency of the energy generation is based on the direct and full-surface heat exchange, which generates maximum energy yields even in weak sunlight, at night or in the rain.
On the roof of the new company building of Carrosserie Pfister AG, Hablützel AG (subsidiary of the Osterwalder Group) installed a total of 240 soblue Multi-NRG panels with a total electrical output of 105 kWp and a thermal output of 324 kWp. This means that Carrosserie Pfister AG currently has the largest and most efficient PVT system in Europe.
At Carrosserie Pfister AG, geothermal resources are also used in addition to PVT technology: 19 geothermal probes support the building's 680 kW heat pump in winter. In summer, the geothermal probes can be regenerated by the excess heat from the soblue collector field. The combination of these sustainable systems underlines the trend towards multifunctional energy solutions that reduce the ecological footprint of companies. In the case of Carrosserie Pfister AG, this not only achieves maximum energy self-sufficiency, but also makes the building almost completely CO2-neutral.
Pioneer in sustainability
The inauguration of Pfister's new company building took place in May 2024. “We are very proud that we have realized a lighthouse project in terms of sustainability and environmental protection with our ultra-modern new building,” said Fabian Pfister, who is the second generation to run the highly innovative company together with his brother Simon, at the inauguration ceremony. “The PVT system from soblue makes a significant contribution to energy independence and decarbonization of process energy and strengthens our position as an environmentally conscious company.”
“With the pioneering PVT system for Carrosserie Pfister AG, we are demonstrating how a high sustainability standard can be implemented with innovative technology,” said Alex Bircher, CTO of soblue. “The client placed ambitious demands on the overall energy concept in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness. In the new Carrosserie Pfister AG building, all those involved have combined the best technologies of the future that are already available today, creating a reference project for the energy transition.”
All information on the soblue Multi-NRG collectors and the soblue energy system can be found at www.soblue.com/pvt-panel.html.
About soblue
soblue AG is an innovative company specializing in the production and implementation of state-of-the-art PVT (photovoltaic thermal) systems. With a combination of advanced PVT technology and intelligent energy management systems, soblue makes a significant contribution to the use of renewable energies and the reduction of CO2 emissions. The company has set itself the goal of offering innovative and sustainable energy solutions that are not only ecologically but also economically advantageous. Customers receive comprehensive support from soblue, from the conception to the commissioning of their PVT system.