A street in Freiburg
In a relatively small village in Germany in the Black Forest, many residents have covered their rooftops with solar panels, which generate more solar energy than they can use. The cost is offset in part by energy bills that are as much as 5 times less than other homes that are not solar powered.
Amazingly, tourists to the town want to view the homes fitted with solar panels, almost as much as other sightseeing expeditions. People from all over the world want to emulate the town of Freiburg when it comes to solar power!
Come with me as we take a look at this amazing story in the southwestern part of Germany:
But wait, there is more! Here is another video about the solar panels installed on homes in Freiburg, Germany:
A green landscape in Germany
I spent some time in Germany in the mid-1980s, while in high school. I love the European country and felt like I didn’t get to see enough while I was there. Traveling abroad is one of my greatest passions. I hope that in the next year or so, I’ll be able to get to Freiburg, Germany for some delicious cuisine, wine and also to view the future of solar energy!
Just a quick answer to the question – why Germany? After all, the country is definitely not among the sunniest places on earth. Well, starting in 2000, Renewable Energies Laws (EEG) were passed, and the country has seen a remarkable growth in solar energy over the past 9 years. But Freiburg is unique. It is known as “Solar Valley,” due to the incredible investment into solar panels, which includes a famous solar train station and the Zero Emissions Hotel Victoria. You can even watch an exciting soccer match at a solar powered stadium.
All this research has made me super excited to travel to Germany! Anyone want to go with me?
Tags: freiburg germany, solar panels, solar power
January 4th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
For the benefit of mankind and is beneficial to the environment, good! Should have more people to join!
January 5th, 2009 at 7:29 am
@usd6, It would be so great to see other cities and countries taking the lead of Freiburg, Germany. Solar energy is clean and green!
Stephanie
January 5th, 2009 at 9:13 am
It has been 20 years since visiting Germany. Can’t wait to get back this summer.
Solar Panels homes in the US is sorely lagging behind.
January 8th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Yes, I’ve seen the solar powered train station. The Germans are light years ahead of us here in the UK when it comes to solar energy.
March 11th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Hi,
What companies are providing the city and residents of Freiburg with HOME SOLAR PANELS?
Are SOLON AG and Q-CELLS part of this?
Sincerely,
Bill Loyen
Toronto – Canada
September 9th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I seem to remember East Germany was energy conscious, dont know if this was love of the environment or shortages. It does seems the most unlikely place, especially with the German coal reserves.
December 17th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Solar Power for Houses
A basic solar installation from a retailer can take 30 years to pay back and cost you well over $20,000?
I just made my own solar panel. It was so simple and looks just like a bought panel.
I managed to build 4 solar panels for under $200! This Is Not A Joke!
January 1st, 2010 at 7:32 am
Dear Sir,
We own agriculture lands in Lahore, Pakistan. These are irrigated through electric water wells running via electric motors.
We wish to convert our electricity driven water wells to solar power driven ones.
Each well consists of a water pump and a 3-Phase , 20 HP, 220 volts, electric motor.
We do not need power backup to run these during night. All we wish is that our water wells to run during the day time.
Can any reputable supplier of solar pannels contact us ?
Please advise us estimated cost of solar pannels, and a DC-AC convertor to be linked to such an electric motor, as described above.
Thanks
Omar Sharif Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan
Email : omar@digimart.com.pk
Mobile : +92-321-4001299
April 16th, 2010 at 7:36 am
we are ronning atrading firm in lahore pakistan we are intersting to business with you
May 20th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Solar Power for Houses
A basic solar installation from a retailer can take 30 years to pay back and cost you well over $20,000?
I just made my own solar panel. It was so simple and looks just like a bought panel.
I managed to build 4 solar panels for under $200! This Is Not A Joke!
Residential solar electric systems. Please Contact Me…
August 9th, 2010 at 8:34 am
we are interested in buying about 100 solar panels which can generate
5KW-10 KW per item.kindly send us the specification and price details C&F
Karachi, Pakistan.
awaiting for your replay
with best regards
Inam ul haq Pasha
Sakhawat International.