Carport photovoltaic system with a total output of 500 kWp put into operation

The conversion of a large employee car park at MAPAL in Aalen is a clear sign of the company's sustainable development. Three photovoltaic carports, each measuring 74 x 11 metres, were installed there and produce a total output of 500 kW peak solar power. This is the largest system of its kind in East Württemberg.

"We have been working for many years to anchor sustainability at MAPAL worldwide," emphasises Dr Jochen Kress, President of the MAPAL Group. "Today we can put one result of this endeavour into operation here in Aalen. With the new plant, we are covering part of our electricity consumption and thus relieving some of the strain on the supply networks. Together with the investments in photovoltaic rows on the hall roofs and systems for the ventilation of production units, which ensure energy savings, we have invested over four million euros in the sustainability of the Aalen site." Another important aspect for the company is benefit the photovoltaic car park represents for its employees: Both electric cars and e-bikes can be charged here.

The PV carpark offers space for a total of 260 cars and 60 bicycles. Currently, 16 parking spaces are equipped with charging facilities, but this can be increased to 180. All bicycle parking spaces have sockets. The majority of the car parks are permeable to water.

Lord Mayor Frederick Brütting emphasised the importance of the construction project, which makes an important contribution to the attractiveness of the location and to achieving the city of Aalen's goal of being climate-neutral by 2035. "This can only be achieved if the companies in the city take their energy supply into their own hands and invest in corresponding projects. We are a production location and want to remain so. This is only possible if cheap electricity is available. I would therefore like to expressly thank the MAPAL company and the Kress family."