Solar park expansion in Karlsruhe: introduction of numerous solar modules marks the opening of a new XL solar park.
In the heart of the Karlsruhe district, the XL solar park in Ettlingen is making significant strides in the region's energy transition. Covering an area of around four hectares, this expansive solar installation is home to approximately 5,600 modules, making it one of the largest solar projects in the district.
The XL solar park is a collaborative effort between municipalities, citizens, and city works, with two-thirds of the park operated by BBEK Energie GmbH, a consortium of the city works of Bretten, Bruchsal, Ettlingen, and Karlsruhe. The remaining third is owned by the BEG, allowing citizens to participate directly in the project.
This partnership has proven to be fruitful, as the XL solar park's annual electricity generation of around 4.9 million kilowatt hours is enough to power approximately 1,400 households. The park's modules are equipped with a tracking technology that adjusts to the sun's position for optimal power output, further enhancing its efficiency.
One unique feature of the XL solar park is the innovative grazing programme, where sheep will soon graze under the modules, saving work and providing regular monitoring. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces maintenance costs but also contributes to the park's carbon footprint reduction efforts.
When it rains, the modules in the XL solar park are cleaned naturally, eliminating the need for manual cleaning. The total installed capacity of the XL solar park is 4,000 kilowatt peak, and since its inception in March, it has been feeding electricity into the grid, saving almost 1,900 tons of CO2 each year.
Ettlingen's mayor, Johannes Arnold, considers the XL solar park a "showcase for the regional energy transition". The project marks a big step for both partners: the BEG doubles its solar capacity, and the BBEK increases its power production significantly. The collaboration between municipalities, citizens, and city works is key to the success of the energy transition, and the XL solar park stands as a testament to this.
While specific details about the XL solar park's unique features in terms of efficiency and contribution to the energy transition are not yet available, it is clear that solar parks like the XL solar park play a crucial role in the energy transition by providing renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and helping to mitigate climate change. As solar technology continues to advance, it is expected that the XL solar park will continue to lead the way in the district of Karlsruhe.
The collaborative XL solar park, home to approximately 5,600 modules and operated by BBEK Energie GmbH, generates around 4.9 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power 1,400 households. Through innovative grazing programs and natural rain-induced cleaning, the park reduces maintenance costs, carbon footprint, and contributes to the regional energy transition. The partnership between municipalities, citizens, and city works symbolizes a significant step towards a green future for the district of Karlsruhe, as solar parks play a vital role in the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Financing from the BEG allows citizens to invest directly in the project, demonstrating the potential for public-private collaborations in environmental science and the renewable-energy industry.
