Getzner Textil uses solar energy

09.12.2024
Getzner Textil uses solar energy

Getzner Textil AG is investing in the power of the sun at its Bludenz site: the first photovoltaic system was put into operation on the company roofs in November 2024.

The newly constructed photovoltaic system is mainly used by the long-established company for its own power supply and provides around one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This could cover the electricity requirements of around 300 single-family homes. Jürgen Kurz, Head of Electrical and Building Technology at Getzner Textil, emphasises the dimensions of the system: ‘More than 2,300 PV modules were installed between August and October. The installed cables reach a total length of around 30 kilometres.’ In addition, over 1200 power optimisers are part of the system. This enables peak values to be achieved in terms of power losses, yield optimisation and safety.

‘By utilising solar power, we are strengthening the already largely climate-friendly energy supply of our infrastructure.’ Hannes Tschofen, CTO Getzner Textil AG

Photovoltaic expansion

The installation of the system is a further step towards energy autonomy and resource-conserving production at Getzner Textil. ‘The most sustainable production possible is anchored in our company philosophy. By utilising solar power, we are strengthening the already largely climate-friendly energy supply of our infrastructure,’ explains CTO Hannes Tschofen, adding: ’We also want to invest in solar energy in the future. We are planning another system on the roof of the Gera weaving mill in Germany, but other areas are also currently being examined.’

From August to October, doma vkw installed over 2,300 PV modules.

Resource-saving production

Climate-friendly energy supply has a long tradition at Getzner. The early hydropower plants were converted to electricity generation as early as the end of the 19th century. Today, the Getzner Holding electricity plant comprises four active hydropower plants in Bludenz and Bürs. Getzner Textil AG's own hydroelectric power plants cover over 90 per cent of its electricity requirements. The textile company also operates its own district heating network, to which numerous public buildings are connected. A large proportion of the waste process heat can therefore be reused for heating purposes via heat recovery.