In a pioneering step towards sustainable energy generation, SPN Schwaben Präzision Fritz Hopf GmbH has installed a PV system on an existing parking area. This innovative installation not only provides environmentally friendly energy production, but also helps to prevent land consumption.
The PV system, which also provides shade for the parking area, is the first project of its kind in the region and thus sets new standards for the use of renewable energy in the Danube region. By placing the system on an existing area, valuable space is conserved and the sustainable use of already built-up areas is promoted.
"Our project shows that it is possible to generate solar energy without taking up additional space," explains Alexander Deffner, Production Manager at SPN and responsible for the project. "By using existing land efficiently, we can make a significant contribution to protecting our environment," Deffner continues.
This new PV system will generate an estimated 580 megawatt hours of clean electricity per year, contributing to a significant portion of the organization's energy needs. It is not just this year that SPN has been going down the renewable energy route. The self-
consumption rate of PV electricity at SPN has been between 80% and 91% since 2017 until 2023. SPN has installed a total of 1,580 kw peak PV on the company premises. The new plant also has 10 additional charging stations for electric vehicles to further promote electromobility. Managing Director Georg Jaumann comments: "In future, SPN employees will not only have access to a shaded parking space, but will also be able to charge their e-cars with renewable electricity free of charge. Our PV project therefore not only contributes to our sustainability account, but also makes us even more attractive as an employer in the region with an additional employee bonus." Employees have been able to charge free electricity at wall boxes since 2017.
The installation of this PV system underlines the commitment of the Nördlingen-based mechanical engineering company SPN to sustainable practices and responsible business. "With this project, we have created a pilot project in the region and want to be a role model for other organizations that are looking for ways to reduce their ecological footprint and use renewable energies," says Rainer Hertle, Technical Managing Director at SPN. "Together with the heat from the nearby biogas plant, we will be able to generate almost half of our high energy requirements as a manufacturing company using renewable and locally self-sufficient energy!"
Schwaben Präzision has been addressing the issue of sustainability for many years. For example, SPN has been certified with the EU's demanding and sustainable environmental management system "EMAS" since 2015. "As one of six Bavarian pilot companies, we have contributed to the development of instruments that enable SMEs to efficiently introduce an environmental management system in accordance with EMAS," explains Rainer Hertle.
