Suche
Mein Konto
Suhl relies on solar: heating plant becomes a green energy source!
On July 1, 2025, Stadtwerke Suhl is focusing on sustainability with a new photovoltaic system for efficient energy generation.
Suhl relies on solar: heating plant becomes a green energy source!
In a forward-looking decision, Stadtwerke Suhl/Zella-Mehlis (SWSZ) has now relied on renewable energy. With an investment of 290,000 euros, a new photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof of the heating plant at Fröhlichen Mann. The dismantling of the gas turbines in the heating plant two years ago was just the first step towards sustainability. Today, a nearby waste incineration plant takes over the majority of district heating production - gas is only used when the waste incineration facility is at a standstill, for example during an overhaul.
“We are looking for unused space and at the same time building a connection with our consumers,” says Managing Director Tino Schäfer, who underlines the advantages of this new strategy. By integrating solar energy into the district heating supply, SWSZ not only shows a commitment to sustainability, but also a flair for economic efficiency.
Advantages of photovoltaics
The decision in favor of photovoltaics is underpinned by a general cost development. According to IRENA, the global levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for newly commissioned solar PV systems fell in 2022 - a clear trend towards lower-cost renewable energy. Likewise, LCOE for onshore wind projects fell by 5%, reinforcing the economic benefits of solar and wind technologies.
This price development makes the investment not only ecologically but also economically attractive. Compared to fossil fuels, current figures show that solar PV was already 29% cheaper than the cheapest fossil energy sources in 2022. The message this development sends is remarkable: renewable energies are not only good for the climate, but also for consumers' wallets.
The support from the municipal utilities
If you would like to find out more about the financial opportunities and funding in the field of photovoltaics, you will find valuable information at Stadtwerke Suhl/Zella-Mehlis. The comprehensive photovoltaic advice helps interested citizens to plan their own projects and realize them optimally. The SWSZ is not only a regional provider, but also a partner on the path to sustainability.
The municipal utility initiative is not just another building block for local energy supply, but also sets an example for a green future. As the world moves increasingly towards renewable energies, the heating plant at Fröhlichen Mann shows that big steps in the right direction are possible even in smaller cities.