swissQprint Installs Solar Power

swissQprint, a Switzerland-based large-format printer manufacturer, announced that a photovoltaic installation has begun operation at its headquarters. It is set to cover more than 50% of electricity demand at the Schützenwiese building complex in Kriessern, Switzerland where swissQprint is headquartered.

The solar array with 1,276 photovoltaic panels was connected to the electricity grid in February of 2024. It is installed on the roof of swissQprint’s main production hall and will produce around 613,000 kWh of electricity a year. This corresponds to more than half of the electricity demand at the Schützenwiese business park, where swissQprint is one of the largest companies.

A step towards electricity self-sufficiency

The photovoltaic installation will also power eight newly erected charging stations for electric vehicles. It is designed for easy future expansibility.

“The solar project brings us a big step forward in terms of sustainability and self-sufficiency,” said Reto Eicher, co-owner of swissQprint and the project coordinator.

A foundation built on sustainability

When the business park was built back in 2013/14, the construction clients including swissQprint put strong emphasis on sustainability. Building services are independent of fossil fuels. Interiors are heated and cooled by groundwater. Electric pumps drive the heat exchange system, which will be powered in the future by the photovoltaic installation.

Swiss building standards are high by international comparison and the Schützenwiese business park exceeds the standard for industrial buildings. That includes the insulation R-value of the building envelope and windows, as well as automatic sun blinds. Optimized temperature management is said to be the objective throughout.

The entire building complex uses energy-saving LED lighting. Furthermore, both swissQprint production halls have saw-tooth roofs that admit ample natural light into the building interior. The company said this makes artificial lighting superfluous at times and further reduces electricity consumption.