The system provider Sonnenkraft, based in St. Veit an der Glan in southern Austria, has implemented a special project in the Carinthian capital Klagenfurt: a photovoltaic system on the municipal theatre. “With the implementation of this strategically important project for the Klagenfurt Municipal Theatre, we, as a leading cultural institution, are taking an important step towards sustainable management,” explains Matthias Walter, Commercial Director of the theatre. The artistic director of the municipal theatre adds: “In these times of climate crisis, which cannot be denied, we have to rethink. How can we treat this world – and we only have one – with care? The municipal theatre is setting a good example with its solar power photovoltaic system.”
The first thoughts about installing the solar system came in 2023, when the more than 1,900 lamps and lights in and around the theatre were completely converted to LED technology. However, as the theatre building is a listed building, this was not so easy.
Installing invisible from street level
However, after consultation with the Federal Monuments Office and other relevant authorities, the installers from Sonnenkraft were able to mount modules on the flat roof of the new building. However, it had to be ensured that the modules could not be seen from the street. If they are visible, they must not detract from the overall appearance of the building.
See also: Combining a landmark historic building with photovoltaics
Installed on a copper seam
Malte Forstat
The modules were therefore installed in such a way that they form a visual unit with the copper roof below. To do this, the fitters installed them parallel to the roof on a rail system that was attached to the seams of the copper roof. In this way, the craftsmen were able to install a total of 185 panels with a total output of 75 kilowatts on the 350 square metre roof.
60 megawatt hours of solar power for culture
The municipal theatre uses almost all of the electricity generated itself. Due to its less than perfect orientation, the system supplies around 60,000 kilowatt hours of solar power every year. With its stage, workshops and offices, the theatre requires around 520,000 kilowatt hours of electricity. Thanks to the innovative cooperation with Sonnenkraft, the renowned theatre can increase its energy efficiency and significantly reduce its operating costs,” emphasises Reinhard Pasterk, Technical Managing Director of Sonnenkraft.
Also interesting: Pioneering commercial PV rooftop installation in Austria
System is sponsored
The theatre did not have to put up any money of its own. This is because Sonnenkraft sponsored the new generator on the roof. “This innovative sponsorship creates a future-oriented partnership that not only promotes sustainable energy solutions, but also supports cultural diversity and focuses on new creative impulses and local value creation,” says Dajana Scherr, Head of Marketing at Sonnenkraft. (su/mfo)
