Solar offensive with solutions from plica

At the beginning of December 2021, construction of the photovoltaic system on the roof of SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Stahlcenter AG (SCHMOBI) began. The so-called contracting model from the solar offensive of TBW (Technische Betriebe Wil/SG) was used for the first time for the project. This means that SCHMOBI makes its roof available and sells the photovoltaic system to TBW after completion. After an amortisation period of at least 15 years, the plant returns to SCHMOBI's ownership. With an output of around 850 kilowatt-peak (KwP), the photovoltaic plant will be one of the largest renewable energy production facilities in the canton of St. Gallen. The expected energy output of around 720,000 kilowatt hours per year is roughly equivalent to the electricity needs of 190 single-family homes. About 60 per cent of the energy produced will be used for self-consumption. The surplus energy will be fed into the power grid. In this way, SCHMOBI is assuming corporate responsibility for environmental protection and sustainability.Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version).

The company Fuchs Solar from Hosenruck installed this new solar system on the roof of SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Stahlcenter AG. The outdoor area as a special challenge: UV radiation, wind, rain, heat and cold make conventional plastic pipes, cable trays or cable ties brittle and fragile over time. The safety and functionality of the respective installation is thus no longer guaranteed. Metal cable trays must be earthed and require a great deal of time. In addition, great care must be taken when cutting the cable trays because sharp burrs and chips are produced. Metal chips in particular can damage a flat roof and cause high repair costs. The solar modules are all connected together. The power cables must be efficiently attached to the modules and routed.