Opel Builds Solar Energy Plants in Germany

Even if Opel is currently experiencing very difficult times as Magna is taking control of the company, the German brand continues its usual business and today announced the construction of a solar energy plant on the roof of its Russelsheim and Kaiserslautern manufacturing sites. Opel has already partnered with Tauber-Solar and SOLON SE to reduce CO2 emissions by about 7,500 tons per year and use around 13 megawatts of energy from the sun.

The solar modules will cover a total area of 225,000 square-meters, Opel said, but construction won't begin sooner than July. The first panels will be mounted in late fall. Opel has joined forces with Tauber-Solar-Energie und Warmetechnic GmbH to build the power plant in Rüsselsheim and SOLON SE to plan, deliver components and run it.

"Our experience with the first solar rooftop power plant in Zaragoza was thoroughly positive, so we decided to expand the program. With the next step of our solar initiative we are showing our commitment to sustainable energy and environmentally friendly mobility," says Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Carl-Peter Forster at an opening ceremony. Hessen State Premiere Roland Koch was also present.

"The project shows the advantages of photovoltaic energy. The electricity will be produced where it is needed. We are happy to have Opel as a part for renewable energy. We are convinced that this will become a lesson for anyone wishing to learn about the uses of large flat roofs," Anke Hunziger, a member of the executive board at SOLON, stated.

Opel says that other solar roof for power plant across Europe will follow so more information is expected in the upcoming months.