Solar Energy as a Power Source for Sustainable Sports Facilities

Sports facilities, despite being essential, often consume significant amounts of energy. While the immediate thought concerning energy use in sports facilities might be the evening lighting of a playing field, there are meaningful opportunities for utilizing solar power in these settings. It is crucial to broaden the perspective and connect solar power generation to larger contexts, considering not only the energy needs of sports facilities but also the challenges of energy transition and global issues. From an economic standpoint, solar installations tend to be profitable given the continuously rising energy prices and uncertain markets. Even energy storage can be financially viable under certain conditions. Utilizing solar energy significantly enhances the energy efficiency of sports facilities, making a substantial contribution to environmentally friendly sports infrastructure.

Significance of Solar Energy for Modern Sports Facilities

The implementation of solar energy in sports facilities aims, like in the private sector, to reduce energy costs. The self-generated energy provides a degree of independence from the public power grid. The amortization calculation for a specific project reveals the time it takes for the investments to pay off. Factors influencing this calculation include the location and orientation of the facility, its intended size, the amount of investment, ongoing costs, financing expenses and potential income from surplus energy. A cost-benefit analysis for solar installations can be conducted even for public entities, often facilitated by organizations like the Consumer Center Energy Consultation, which provides comprehensive advice.

Sports facilities are often well-suited for solar installations, typically having ample ground and roof space. Facilities with sports halls and grandstands, in particular, benefit from unobstructed areas, making them ideal for solar installations. Specific areas where energy costs can be saved include pitch heating, lighting, hot water supply, scoreboards, loudspeaker systems, and more. A positive side effect is the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Technologies and Systems: Solar Energy in the Sports Industry

There is now a variety of systems and practical applications in place. The overall progress in sustainable product development across various sectors benefits solar technology, making many products significantly more energy-efficient than just a few years or decades ago. LED lights, for instance, prove effective in providing good lighting conditions in combination with solar technology and batteries. Additionally, they do not need to be connected to the grid, resulting in cost savings.

In addition to photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems can be employed to heat water or air using solar energy. This can be used to heat swimming pools or provide hot water for showers in changing rooms.

Advantages and Impact of Solar Installations on Sports Facilities

Beyond the economic advantages, solar-powered sports facilities gain from the positive image associated with using green and sustainable energy sources. These facilities often have a lighthouse effect on their users, typically the residents of the region. As sports facilities are generally used and managed by the local population, positive feedback regarding the use of renewable energy sources becomes accessible through community self-governance, encouraging emulation in both personal and professional environments. Therefore, the signaling effect of using solar energy in sports facilities should not be underestimated. Tangible positive examples act as excellent advocates for a good cause. Members and fans can experience firsthand how solar technology works, its benefits, and its financial viability.

Furthermore, many of these projects hire local businesses for their implementation. In this regard, establishing such facilities is a win for the region as it stimulates the local economy. Public funding is also available for such projects, making it advisable to contact relevant advisory services to stay informed about current subsidy offerings.

Success Stories: Examples of Sustainable Sports Facilities with Solar Energy

Success stories abound in the realm of sports facilities equipped with solar energy. In elite sports, it has become almost standard for stadium roofs to be fitted with solar panels. Even smaller sports clubs are utilizing unused spaces for solar energy generation. Diverse utilization concepts for photovoltaic and solar thermal systems can be found in sports facilities.

Potential areas for utilization include unused green spaces, roofs of grandstands, sports halls, or clubhouses. Even parking lots can be covered with solar installations and equipped with charging stations. On a regional level, specific funding programs have been established for topics such as parking lot roofing with photovoltaics, initiated by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy Economy of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.