Our Members: Our Members' Activities > Germany > Offenbach am Main
Photovoltaic Systems on Public Roofs
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Resident Participation and Leasing
Since 2007, residents of Offenbach have been able to purchase certificates for photovoltaic (PV) systems on public roof space. Through the installation of PV systems - the first of which was erected on the German Leather Museum - the city of Offenbach has been able to generate alternative energy on public buildings. Residents may purchase certificates to become co-owners of the systems, and consequently enjoy handsome interest returns. The amount of solar energy created and reductions in CO2 achieved are displayed within the building.
To significantly speed solar energy production, the project group set the target of generating a large amount of investment capital within just a few months, which would be cost-neutral for the city itself. This was successfully achieved: through the leasing of communal roof space to solar energy companies who, as the operators, then assumed all investment costs and risks.
The city was thus ensured a stable income from roof leasing and guaranteed system output. As yet, an initial section of 20 roofs, mostly of school buildings and sports halls, has been put to use.
Projected size and output of the systems:
- Roof space: ca. 5,800 m²
- Output: ca. 877 kWp
- Energy production: ca. 662,000 kWh/a
- CO2 prevented: ca. 600 t/a
- Rental income: ca. 13,000 EURO p.a.over 20 years
Picture credit: City of Offenbach am Main
On the Move with a JobTicket!
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To reach its self-imposed environmental protection goals, the city of Offenbach and its affiliated companies offer their 5,000 employees a JobTicket for all means of regional public transport, use of company-owned bicycles and an attractive car pooling system.
These offers are also an integral part of the so-called Operational Mobility Management, which the two public transport companies serving the city and the region established at the beginning of 2008. The Operational Mobility Management team develops individualised mobility concepts for enterprises in the city and the municipality of Offenbach. According to initial surveys, the measures implemented by the Operational Mobility Management team help reduce annual CO2 emissions significantly.
As an additional incentive, all holders of a JobTicket from the city enterprise are eligible to use the Futura green
power offered by EVO AG for the price of normal power.
Picture credit: City of Offenbach am Main
