A photovoltaic installation has begun operation at SwissQprint headquarters, set to cover more than 50% of electricity demand at the Schützenwiese building complex in Kriessern, where SwissQprint is headquartered.
A solar array with 1276 photovoltaic panels was connected to the electricity grid in February 2024. It was installed on the roof of SwissQprint’s main production hall and according to the company, will produce approximately 613,000kWh of electricity a year. This corresponds to more than half of the electricity demand at the Schützenwiese business park.
The installation will also power eight newly constructed charging stations for electric vehicles. Reto Eicher, co-owner of SwissQprint and project coordinator explained the benefits of the installation commenting, ‘The solar project brings us a big step forward in terms of sustainability and self-sufficiency.’
When the business park was built in 2013/14, the construction clients including SwissQprint emphasised the importance of sustainability. Tasks such as building services were dependent on fossil fuels, interiors were heated and cooled by groundwater, plus there was need for electric pumps to drive the heat exchange system. This will now be powered by the solar panels.
The Schützenwiese business park is described as exceeding the standard for industrial buildings. An objective throughout the business park was optimised temperature management. The insulation R-value of the building envelope and windows, as well as automatic sun blinds is key to achieving this.
Other factors aimed at achieving more sustainability within the entire building complex is the use of energy-saving LED lighting. Furthermore, both SwissQprint production halls have saw-tooth roofs that admit ample natural light into the building interior. As a result, artificial lighting becomes more unnecessary and further reduces electricity consumption.
