Energetica India
International Magazine on Renewable and Conventional Power Generation
Electricity from the cattle-barn with solar modules from 3S Swiss Solar Systems
MegaSlate solar modules from 3S Swiss Solar Systems have been producing electricity from the power of the sun on the roof of a cattle-barn in Switzerland. The trend-setting project in Melchnau, close to Langenthal in the Canton of Bern, combines technological progress in solar power with the agricultural tradition of living in harmony with nature. 93,000 kWh of electricity have already been produced since the end of April on a surface area of 1,885 m2 on the roof the barn. With an installed output of 264 kWp, the facility generates about 250,000 kWh of solar power and thus supplies approximately 65 households. The new construction of the agricultural building in Melchnau was fitted with a PV installation on the roof surface which is directed towards the south. It is integrated optimally into the building shell. 1,758 solar panels from 3S Swiss Solar Systems, a subsidiary of Meyer Burger Technology AG, were attractively integrated into the roof. For implementation of the facility, various partners formed pvenergie AG in which the regional energy provider Energie Wasser Bern, the initiator of the facility, Stefan Bigler, as well as the local power utility IBL of the municipality of Lagenthal and several farmers are participants. As the biggest consumer of the electricity produced, the Swiss telecommunications company Swisscom is also supporting the project which can be financed without the Swiss government's cost-covering energy supply credit ("KEV"). The project combines state-of-the-art solar technology and appealing architecture with private initiative and cross-regional networking. For the farmers, the use of solar electricity represents an important continuation of their tradition of close-to-nature, sustainable farming with simultaneous access to new sources of income through the sale of solar energy. The Megaslate solar roofing system from 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG is a trend-setting, architecturally aesthetic concept suitable for new buildings and roof restorations. It offers all the advantages of a traditional roof and replaces, either fully or partially, the traditional covering. The attractive synthesis of a robust, weatherproof building shell and efficient, environmentally friendly energy production can be supplemented with the function of water-heating. The solar panels from 3S Swiss Solar Systems, which are now being marketed under the brand-name 3S Photovoltaics, are certified by the TÜV and tested stringently for wind and snow loads, rain impermeability, hail and fire safety.
News posted on Friday 30th, Jul 2010
MegaSlate solar modules from 3S Swiss Solar Systems have been producing electricity from the power of the sun on the roof of a cattle-barn in Switzerland. The trend-setting project in Melchnau, close to Langenthal in the Canton of Bern, combines technological progress in solar power with the agricultural tradition of living in harmony with nature. 93,000 kWh of electricity have already been produced since the end of April on a surface area of 1,885 m2 on the roof the barn. With an installed output of 264 kWp, the facility generates about 250,000 kWh of solar power and thus supplies approximately 65 households. The new construction of the agricultural building in Melchnau was fitted with a PV installation on the roof surface which is directed towards the south. It is integrated optimally into the building shell. 1,758 solar panels from 3S Swiss Solar Systems, a subsidiary of Meyer Burger Technology AG, were attractively integrated into the roof. For implementation of the facility, various partners formed pvenergie AG in which the regional energy provider Energie Wasser Bern, the initiator of the facility, Stefan Bigler, as well as the local power utility IBL of the municipality of Lagenthal and several farmers are participants. As the biggest consumer of the electricity produced, the Swiss telecommunications company Swisscom is also supporting the project which can be financed without the Swiss government's cost-covering energy supply credit ("KEV"). The project combines state-of-the-art solar technology and appealing architecture with private initiative and cross-regional networking. For the farmers, the use of solar electricity represents an important continuation of their tradition of close-to-nature, sustainable farming with simultaneous access to new sources of income through the sale of solar energy. The Megaslate solar roofing system from 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG is a trend-setting, architecturally aesthetic concept suitable for new buildings and roof restorations. It offers all the advantages of a traditional roof and replaces, either fully or partially, the traditional covering. The attractive synthesis of a robust, weatherproof building shell and efficient, environmentally friendly energy production can be supplemented with the function of water-heating. The solar panels from 3S Swiss Solar Systems, which are now being marketed under the brand-name 3S Photovoltaics, are certified by the TÜV and tested stringently for wind and snow loads, rain impermeability, hail and fire safety. 
