Already 15.8 MWp on more than 150 roofs generate electricity directly at the site
Photovoltaics is playing an increasingly important role in the decarbonization of real estate. As part of its sustainability strategy, Aroundtown is expanding the generation of renewable energy in its portfolio and reducing the ecological footprint of its portfolio. To date, photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of around 15.8 MWp have been installed on more than 150 roofs and around 120 properties in Germany and the Netherlands.
One example of this broader expansion is a portfolio of 16 properties that are fully let to ATU, one of Germany’s leading automotive service providers. As single-tenant properties, these locations enabled close coordination between landlord and tenant throughout the entire project, thus enabling efficient planning and installation of the systems as well as the direct use of the renewable electricity generated on site. Together, the plants achieve an installed capacity of more than 1.4 MWp and are expected to generate 1.0 GWh of renewable electricity annually. This will avoid around 284 tonnes of CO₂ in 2026.
“The decarbonization of an existing portfolio requires solutions that are effective and scalable at the same time. Photovoltaics on the roof is a good example: It uses existing space, increases on-site power generation and can be implemented across several properties. The expansion at 16 locations shows how a proven solution can be turned into a measure at portfolio level through close coordination between landlord and tenant,” says Limor Bermann, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aroundtown.
“The systems on our roofs supply electricity exactly when our stores need it: during the day and directly on site. This reduces our grid consumption and makes us less dependent on price fluctuations. From site selection to commissioning, the coordination was close. Aroundtown provided the roof space and pushed ahead with the expansion – this pays off for us at every single location,” says Markus Winkler, Branch Network Development at ATU.
Photovoltaics on existing roof surfaces combine the reduction of emissions with greater energy resilience and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the properties.
