Ewz enables new public participation in photovoltaic roof systems on schools in Zurich – pv magazine Germany

Ewz actively supports the city of Zurich in achieving its “2000 watt targets”. Around 10,000 square meters of solar modules have to be installed on public buildings, schools, sports facilities, urban housing estates or hospitals. According to the Swiss energy supplier, around 60 percent of the solar power generated by the photovoltaic systems is consumed directly on site. The remaining 4000 square meters will go to public participation.

According to the crowdfunding principle, people in Zurich who do not have their own roof to generate solar power can contribute financially to the photovoltaic systems with 250 Swiss francs per square meter. In return, Ewz customers receive 80 kilowatt hours of solar power on their electricity bill annually – for the next 20 years. More than 5,000 customers have already taken part in the 20 photovoltaic systems implemented so far, including City Councilor Michael Baumer.

For the new round of public participation, an area of ​​1,100 square meters for a photovoltaic system on a school in Leimbach would be available immediately. According to Ewz, a maximum of ten square meters can be purchased per household. The installation of the photovoltaic system is planned for the upcoming summer vacation. Three more schools would also be equipped with photovoltaic roof systems by the summer of 2022 and then additional square meters would be advertised for public participation.

Ewz is not only relying on the model in Zurich. The energy provider is also relying on the concept for its first high-alpine photovoltaic system on a dam wall. The last square meters are still available here. Since solar power generation is higher in the high Alps, the one-time participation is 560 Swiss francs. For this, the Ewz customers are then credited with 180 kilowatt hours of solar power per year, as it was said.