Solar energy on the dining hall roof

Aachen, 1 July 2025: Studierendenwerk Aachen has put one of the city's 15 largest photovoltaic systems into operation - a significant step towards becoming an environmentally conscious university city. With an output of 331 kWp, the system actively contributes to a sustainable energy supply and sends a strong signal for climate protection.

The new solar system is enthroned on the roof of Mensa Vita, which was built in 2001 as the second largest dining hall of Studierendenwerk. Located next to the hospital, it provides around 2,600 students and staff with fresh meals every day. This requires a lot of energy. Now, 762 black solar modules convert sunlight into clean electricity. "This investment demonstrates our clear commitment to sustainable action and future-oriented responsibility on campus. We are making concrete contributions to climate protection," says Managing Director Sebastian Böstel.

Huge savings and environmental benefits
Construction began in May 2024 after the first inquiry was received by the grid operator Regionetz in March 2023. After planning was completed in February 2024, Studierendenwerk commissioned an installation company, which started trial operation in February 2025.

The system is now running at full capacity and produces around 276,800 kilowatt hours of electricity per year - enough to cover a large part of the dining hall's requirements and feed any surplus into the public grid. Around 65 percent of this energy (approximately 180,500 kWh) is used directly on site, which means annual savings of around 60,000 euros at current electricity prices of around 31 cents per kWh. Three high-performance inverters convert the direct current generated into grid-compliant alternating current, while modern protection systems safeguard the system. The investment costs amount to around 720,000 euros including all ancillary costs.

Significant CO₂ reduction
Some of the electricity produced is used in the food production of the dining hall. “The surplus electricity is fed into the public grid and generates additional income through direct marketing,” explains project manager Udo Coenen-Staß from the building management system. "What's important, however, is that our photovoltaic system reduces CO₂ emissions by around 100 tons per year. "

A good feeling when cooking
Mensa Vita, which seats over 1,300 people, is not only popular because of its size, it also offers students a wide range of options. Unlike smaller dining hall, all meals are prepared directly on site. The facility is located between Gut Melaten and the hospital and covers 1,200 square meters. The facade combines corrugated aluminum sheeting, glass and wood. Peter Schröder, deputy head of the dining hall department, is particularly pleased that cooking there is now environmentally friendly. “Since we've been cooking in such a resource-friendly way, it's even more fun to work here,” he says. “It's great to see how our commitment to sustainability is also being implemented in the dining hall kitchen - we're particularly proud of that.”