After two years construction time, the solar system of the project "sonnenhungrig" went on line with 90 photovoltaic modules in November. So many people wanted to take part in the project that about a third of it could have been sold again. Especially students bought smallest parts of the project. What's more, research and science were interested in the solar system. Multiple institutes plan to use the yield and irradation data in lectures, student laboratories and research works actively. Thus, the student project "sonnenhungrig" does not only contribute to sustainable energy supply, but also promotes research and teaching for ecofriendly power engineering. More information (in German) on www.sonnenhungrig.info.

"sonnenhungrig" came into being because of the initiative of the "Arbeitskreis Regenerative Energien" (akre) of the Leibniz Universität Hannover and was erected in co-operation with Ökostadt e.V.. University's president Prof. Dr.-Ing. Erich Barke is the patron of the project. "The personal commitment of every participant to make 'sonnenhungrig' succeed is remarkable", says Heiner Schlotte, the chairman of Ökostadt, praising the co-operation.

Two years ago, the technical execution of "sonnenhungrig" startet. The Hanoverian enterprise Corona Solar delivered the photovoltaic modules. Students of the Berufsbildende Schule 6 constructed, built and delivered the bearer frames. The SMA Solar Technology AG let the project use their inverter for free.
"A good, forward-looking idea was effectuated with 'sonnenhungrig'", says akre-member Florian Herbst happily about the completion. "It feels great that the system is fully functional and tangible on the roof."

"sonnenhungrig" is financed by dedicated citizens who buy parts of the system and let them to "sonnenhungrig" afterwards. This way, the investor's effort is only minor. "We feel that the positive response and involvement of the citizens approve our work", thanks Heiner Schlote and points out that there are other projects of Ökostadt e.V. interested parties could invest in. "sonnenhungrig" still offers participation in the scientific backing of the project to institutes and enterprises.

Facts and figures:

1. 90 modules, each 180 Wp performance (= 16.2 kWp) are split up on
    a) 74 modules sold as complete modules
    b) 288 smallest parts, each 10 Wp
2. they generate about 15 000 kWh of electric energy a year
3. a coal-fired power station would create 14.4 tons of carbon dioxide a year while solar energy is both noiseless and has zero emission.