Fotographer: Vusal Ahmadli / mediamus
Official Inauguration of the Largest Rooftop Solar System in Lower Saxony
The J. MÜLLER Group celebrated the official inauguration of its photovoltaic system at the Port of Brake on April 12, 2024. This event marks a significant milestone in the company's and region's sustainable energy supply.
The J. MÜLLER photovoltaic system covers ten warehouse roofs with a total area of 62,100 m² and a PV capacity of 12.8 MWp. It generates a solar yield of 959 kWh and avoids 5,804,000 kg of CO₂ emissions annually. The generated energy could supply approximately 3,400 households per year.
The inauguration was attended by high-profile guests and representatives from politics, business, and society, including Lower Saxony’s Minister of Energy, Christian Meyer. In his speech, Minister Meyer emphasized the importance of this project for climate and environmental efforts and the transformation of the Port of Brake into a "Green Port." "Photovoltaics are a crucial part of our energy transition. I am pleased to inaugurate such a powerful and large PV system today," said Minister Meyer. "Lower Saxony is increasingly becoming a photovoltaic land, as evidenced by the record increase in 2023 with an installed capacity of over 1,400 megawatts, twice as much as the previous year. Besides private homeowners, companies are also a key pillar, as shown by the J. MÜLLER Group's example. Additionally, the state is setting a good example with its buildings. From this year, all new public buildings must be equipped with PV systems. By 2025, this will apply to all new buildings. Permits for the installation of solar modules have been significantly eased. The potential alone on large roof areas of logistics and industrial buildings over 5,000 m² is estimated at 3,000 MW in Lower Saxony. In Brake, we see how this important potential can be utilized."
Jan Müller, CEO of J. MÜLLER AG, warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of the photovoltaic system for the company and the environment: "The inauguration of our photovoltaic system is a milestone in our effort to implement sustainable energy solutions. We are proud to make a significant contribution to environmental protection while also reducing our energy costs."
Cedric Witten, Head of Technology/IT at J. MÜLLER Weser GmbH & Co. KG, presented the technical details of the system and led the ceremonial commissioning. "Our photovoltaic system is the largest in the Lower Saxony ports and will help improve our CO₂ footprint. We now produce more than 30 percent of our required electricity ourselves."
The realization of this extensive project was made possible through collaboration with various partners. "We thank our partners, including Commerzbank, Björn & Peter Renken, Schulz Systemtechnik, and EWE Netz GmbH, for their support in implementing this project," emphasized Jan Müller.
The event concluded with a get-together, where guests had the opportunity to discuss the project in more detail.
J. MÜLLER Photovoltaic System at the Port of Brake
- Investment amount: €11 million
- Area of ten warehouse roofs: 62,100 m²
- PV capacity: 12.8 MWp
- Solar yield: 959 kWh
- Number of PV modules: 31,000 units [1.7 x 1.1 m per module]
- Specific annual yield: 959.21 kWh/kWp
- Annual PV energy production: 12,278,000 kWh
- Self-consumption: 6,665,000 kWh/year [Self-consumption share: 54%, Autonomy rate: 37%]
- Avoided CO₂ emissions per year: 5,804,000 kg
