Solar Factory
Shell and Pilkington Solar International have turned Gelsenkirchen into a real solar hub.
From the summer of 1998, six building firms were busy translating the plans of Hamburg-based architects Hohaus into reality. Some 1,800 cubic metres of concrete, 190 tonnes of reinforcing steel, 230 cubic metres of masonry and 110 tonnes of girders were put together to create a factory building in six sections, each with a pitched roof, and an elliptical four-storey administration block.
Solar cells that generate 120 kilowatts of power were installed on the admin wing and part of the factory roof. At just over 83m long, 47m wide and 12m high, the solar factory is lent a dynamic and futuristic appearance by a front section that looms up like a wave. Its steel and glass façades allow the 45 or so people who work here to exploit and enjoy the warmth and light of the sun in equal measure. More information on photovoltaic energy can be found in the visitors’ centre alongside the world’s most modern solar cell factory.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has set up a research and development office on the solar factory site.
Address:
PiZ Photovoltaic Information Centre
Am Dahlbusch
45884 Gelsenkirchen
Information:
Shell Solar Germany
Tel.: +49 0209/12 02 0
www.shell-solar-piz.de
www.solarstadt-gelsenkirchen.de
Bus:
Line 381
Alight at Am Dahlbusch bus stop
Responsible for the contents: Stadtmarketing Gesellschaft Gelsenkirchen mbH