Photovoltaic systems at Bielefeld University

At the end of 2018, Bielefeld University commissioned its first in-house photovoltaic system on Building Z, with a rated output of 49.59 kilowatt-peak (kWp). As part of the ongoing expansion of the South Campus, further systems were installed: in 2021 on Lecture Theatre Building Y with around 25 kWp, and in 2022 on Building R2 with around 77 kWp, of which 55 kWp is integrated into the façade. In total, the university currently has an installed photovoltaic capacity of around 152 kWp.

The electricity yield from the university’s own photovoltaic systems rose from around 47 MWh in 2019 to around 101 MWh in 2023. By way of comparison: in 2019, the electricity generated could have supplied around 12 four-person households; in 2023, this figure would have been around 25 households. The vast majority of the electricity generated – around 90 per cent – is used for on-site consumption in the university’s buildings, whilst the remaining 10 per cent is fed into the local electricity grid during periods of high sunshine.

Campus Süd

The university plans to continue expanding its photovoltaic capacity in the future. The new R4, R5, R6 and R7 buildings on South Campus are to be comprehensively equipped with PV systems, which would increase the installed capacity by around 275 kWp and almost quadruple the total output. As part of the extensive refurbishment of the main university building, the possibility of a rooftop installation is being assessed.