Solar energy meets monument protection: historic building in Konstanz becomes modern!

Solar energy meets monument protection: historic building in Konstanz becomes modern!

What's going on in Constance? A lot is happening at Wessenbergstrasse 32, very close to the imposing cathedral. Modern energy supply measures are to be implemented in a building from 1316, which is a listed building. This renovation will not only respect the historical roots, but also make an important contribution to sustainability. The focus is on five residential units that are currently heated with gas.

As part of the renovation concept, it is planned to install a photovoltaic system with an output of 9.2 kWp, supplemented by a 9 kWh electricity storage system. The aim is to completely cover your own household electricity consumption and reduce CO2 emissions by switching from gas heaters to modern IR heaters. The use of this innovative technology will be carried out in close coordination with the Lower Monument Protection Authority in order to preserve the sensitive urban development context. This is particularly relevant in the neighborhood of Konstanz Minster, which has important cultural significance.

Innovations in monument preservation

The choice also fell on terracotta-colored PV modules from Issol Solar in order to optimally adapt to the existing roof tiles. Despite the higher costs for these modules, the decision was made in the interests of monument protection and was supported by funding from the Lighthouse Fund. This not only takes new ecological paths, but also preserves the historic roof landscape.

Why is it that such measures are becoming more and more of a focus these days? The discussion about the effectiveness of solar systems in historical buildings has gained momentum. A voice is given to suggestions that suitable large systems should be used instead of many small systems on the roofs. These could supply entire residential areas or neighborhoods and thus offer an uncomplicated way to minimize maintenance costs and technical requirements. This is by no means an isolated case, as the German Foundation for Monument Protection is already planning a model experiment for participation in such a large-scale facility.

Challenges and opportunities

The integration of photovoltaic systems into listed buildings presents many challenges, be it the aesthetic preservation of the external appearance or technical requirements that require special attention. A look beyond the borders shows that in Switzerland, for example, there are strict guidelines for monument preservation and the responsibility for this lies largely with the cantons. Innovative approaches such as in-roof systems that replace roof tiles with solar modules or special solar roof tiles carry out the integration very cleverly. These solutions not only provide energy efficiency, but can also increase property value. They also make a valuable contribution to the energy transition.

Constance is setting an example: historical buildings can and must be combined with modern technologies without losing their character. It remains exciting to see how the project at Wessenbergstraße 32 will progress and what positive impulses it could provide for similar projects in the region. Advances in technology give hope for further innovative solutions that not only protect monument protection, but also actively promote the energy transition.