In September 2023, a 125 MW solar park was connected to the grid in Bundorf, Bavaria, Germany. In addition to generating electricity for almost 40,000 four-person households, the 131 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity produced each year will be used to supply the community with district heating and to build an e-mobility charging infrastructure in Bundorf and neighbouring villages. Residents will also be able to directly participate in the 40-hectare solarpark through an energy co-operative. Bundorf is a pioneering project for sector coupling because it combines electricity, heat and e-mobility in one project.

We spoke to Christoph Strasser, CEO of MaxSolar GmbH, the company behind the project, to find out how it works. Strasser has also been deputy chairman of the board of EGIS eG, the cooperative involved in the Bundorf community solar park, for 11 years.

Timeline:

• 04:23 About the Bundorf Community Solarpark project as a whole, including the special approach of sector coupling
• 10:51 E-mobility and charging infrastructure: Are measures being considered to enable the population to adapt their charging behaviour to the generation profile of the PV system in order to consume as much electricity from Bundorf as possible?
• 14:32 How does the participation model in the EGIS eG energy cooperative work? What other advantages do the citizens of Bundorf and the surrounding area have?
• 16:43 The Bundorf Solarpark is committed to reconciling the issue of biodiversity with solar power generation. What are the special features of Bundorf in this respect?

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About Christoph Strasser & MaxSolar

Christoph Strasser has been responsible for the strategic orientation of MaxSolar since his appointment as Managing Director in 2018. From 2014 onwards, he already worked as sales manager for MaxSolar in Traunstein, with further focal points such as the management of all operating companies, the financing of project developments as well as his main activities in the responsibility for sales and results. Overall, Christoph Strasser has been active in the renewable energy sector since 2008, with a particular focus on photovoltaics. He acquired his know-how at previous solar companies in Germany.

MaxSolar is a leading provider of integrated, innovative energy solutions for companies, local authorities and landowners. Headquartered in Traunstein, the company was founded in 2009 and now has over 250 employees at five locations throughout Germany. MaxSolar's portfolio includes the planning, installation and operation of photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems, charging infrastructure as well as wind and heating solutions in integrated systems.

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