Borussia Dortmund expands PV system on stadium roof

The roof of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK will soon host the largest photovoltaic system of any German stadium. This expansion is part of a collaboration with Borussia Dortmund's new sustainability partner.

Photovoltaic systems have become a key element in sustainable energy concepts for stadiums. Consequently, many stadium roofs have been equipped with such systems in recent years. As part of a six-year partnership with RWE, Borussia Dortmund aims to increase the output of its existing system on the roof of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK by installing several thousand additional solar modules.

The new cooperation includes the expansion of Borussia Dortmund's PV system. Image: RWE

This expansion and upgrade of the PV system is a central component of the new partnership. With over 9,500 new solar modules and a capacity of more than 4.2 megawatts peak, Germany's largest stadium will soon boast the largest PV system installed on a stadium roof in the country. Thanks to a 3.4-megawatt-hour battery storage system, the green electricity generated can also be used when the sun is not shining. The electricity produced annually on the roof will, in theory, cover the energy consumption of all BVB home games – from Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal matches to UEFA Champions League fixtures – over the same period. Any surplus electricity generated will be fed into the public grid.

Back in April 2024, RWE and BVB installed a new PV system with over 200 solar modules on the roof of the BVB FanWelt next to the stadium. The new PV systems help Borussia Dortmund reduce energy costs by increasing self-generated power. Additional energy projects are planned as part of this partnership.

The German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund has presented its results for the 2023/24 fiscal year. In addition to positive financial figures, the club announced plans to take further steps in its sustainability efforts.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, CEO of Borussia Dortmund: "We are delighted to welcome RWE as our new partner. This collaboration is an important step for us in advancing our sustainable development with forward-thinking projects. Together, we aim to contribute to climate protection and promote innovative energy solutions. Borussia Dortmund and RWE share the same vision of a responsible and sustainable future."

Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE AG: "We are very excited about our partnership with BVB, a club from this region with international reach. Together, we want to make Germany’s largest football stadium climate-friendly by expanding and efficiently using solar energy on the roof. BVB and RWE – two great teams that perfectly complement each other in their sustainability goals." (stadiaworld, 22.08.2024)