The Munich solar master plan: A groundbreaking step towards a sustainable energy transition with solar systems

The Munich City Council's Committee for Climate and Environmental Protection has reached a groundbreaking milestone by adopting the Solar Munich Master Plan. This comprehensive plan represents the expansion of solar energy in the city center in all its facets as a central component of the energy transition. With a visionary perspective, the master plan pursues the long-term goal of covering around 25 percent of the city's electricity consumption through inner-city solar systems.

In order to achieve this ambitious goal, the city of Munich has set a transformation phase until 2030. During this time, the aim is to increase the annual expansion of photovoltaic systems by 40 percent. The aim is to install around 100 megawatt peak (MWp) per year in order to significantly increase solar energy production in the city. This impressive increase in capacity will make it possible to significantly increase the contribution of solar energy to total electricity generation while reducing the need for conventional energy sources.

However, the Munich Solar Master Plan goes beyond simply strengthening solar energy production. It also takes into account the growing need for electricity and energy storage for the areas of mobility and heat supply. Promoting electromobility and integrating solar energy into the public transport network are also important focuses of the master plan. The city plans to expand charging stations for electric vehicles and use solar energy to operate public transportation such as trams.

Another aspect of the master plan is the integration of solar energy into the city's heat supply. The use of solar energy to heat buildings and provide hot water is a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources. Through the increased use of solar thermal systems and the use of solar energy in combination with innovative storage technologies, CO₂ emissions can be significantly reduced and dependence on fossil fuels reduced.

To ensure that the Munich Solar Master Plan is successfully implemented in the long term, it is planned to be regularly reviewed, updated and further developed. This iterative approach makes it possible to integrate new technologies and innovative solutions and adapt the plan to changing conditions. The city of Munich relies on close collaboration with experts, the population and other interest groups to ensure broad acceptance and support for the expansion of solar energy.

The Munich Solar Master Plan is not only a groundbreaking document for the city, but can also serve as a model for other cities and communities that want to advance their own energy transition. With a clear vision, an ambitious goal and a comprehensive approach, the master plan lays the foundation for a sustainable and climate-friendly energy supply in Munich and beyond.

➡️ Building-integrated photovoltaics - aesthetics, ideal for new architectural design options and reduction of urban heat islands

➡️ City solar carport modules for photovoltaic parking spaces with translucent solar modules

➡️ City Pergolas, the ideal concept for the green smart city of the future

➡️ Smart Columarium - up to 90% green spaces in the city centers for a feel-good factor and a Green City

The "Smart Columbarium" as an innovative solution for space saving and urban development

A novel and exciting solution is the “Smart Columbarium”. This concept offers the possibility of saving up to 90% of the cemetery area and using the freed-up green space for other uses. This energetic and space-optimized burial site was developed by logisticians from Japan and Germany. The “Smart Columbarium” is an innovative way of burial where urns are stored in a space-saving and technologically advanced manner. This reduces the space required for traditional graves and frees up valuable green space. These areas can then be used as a valuable contribution to improving the living environment and quality of life of residents.

The combination of protecting and promoting existing green spaces, careful inner-city densification and innovative concepts such as the “Smart Columbarium” could help cities and municipalities find a balance between urban development and environmental protection. By specifically relying on green infrastructure and developing new ways of using land, the city can preserve the positive bioclimatic conditions in residential areas and at the same time improve the climate in heavily built-up regions.

Learn from the Japanese: 91% of the population already lives in urbanized areas

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• The Smart Columbarium concept as a partial solution for urban planning and urban development (Smart Urban / Smart City)

Smart Park: New green parks thanks to Smart Columbarium - Image: Xpert.Digital

The Smart Columbarium concept describes the possibility of reducing the space required for cemeteries by an impressive 90%. This innovative solution creates valuable space that can be used to create green leisure and recreation parks. This measure aims to increase the culture of well-being in the community and to provide residents with an attractive environment for their leisure activities.

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• Smart Park: New green parks thanks to Smart Columbarium
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The solar system planner for the most common applications: Plan the solar system online here - Image: Xpert.Digital

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• Solar system planner

Mayor Dieter Reiter: “With the Solar Munich Master Plan, we are one of the first German municipalities to think holistically about the topic of photovoltaic expansion and thus create a reliable framework for administration, business, trade, building owners and Munich residents.”

Christine Kugler, consultant for climate and environmental protection: “The solar Munich master plan is an essential part of the energy transition in Munich and helps us in the transformation to a climate-neutral Munich. Munich offers sufficient area potential to achieve the ambitious additional photovoltaic capacity of around 100 megawatts peak per year. The coming years will be about tapping into this potential.

Munich will record impressive progress in the expansion of photovoltaics in 2023. With an addition of over 10 megawatt peak (MWp) of photovoltaic output within the first six months, the city has already achieved more PV output than in the whole of 2020 or 2021. This represents a clear milestone and shows the city's enormous commitment and its citizens for the expansion of renewable energies.

The rapid expansion of photovoltaic systems in Munich shows that the city is well on its way to exceeding its goals in the Solar Munich Master Plan. The original plan was to achieve an additional capacity of 15 MWp in 2023. Given the progress already achieved in the first half of the year, it is likely that this target will be significantly exceeded if expansion continues at the same pace in the second half of the year.

The positive development of photovoltaic expansion is the result of a variety of factors. The city of Munich has created an increase in demand for photovoltaic systems through targeted support programs and incentives. In addition, the prices for solar modules have fallen significantly in recent years, which has made the installation of photovoltaic systems more attractive.

Another crucial factor is the potential space in Munich. The city has sufficient space resources to achieve its ambitious goals in photovoltaic expansion. This means that there is enough space for the installation of PV systems both on the roofs of buildings and in open spaces. This potential is now being increasingly used to promote solar energy production in the city.

The high dynamic in the expansion of photovoltaics also reflects the Munich population's growing awareness of climate protection and the importance of renewable energies. More and more citizens are recognizing the advantages of photovoltaics and are willing to invest in their own PV system. This commitment of the Munich population is crucial for the success of the photovoltaic expansion and the achievement of the city's energy policy goals.

The successful expansion of photovoltaics in Munich also has positive effects on the regional economy. The increased installation of photovoltaic systems is creating new jobs in the field of renewable energies. Craft businesses and installation companies benefit from the increasing demand for PV systems and contribute to the city's economic development.

The photovoltaic expansion in Munich so far in 2023 shows that the city is on the right track to achieving and possibly exceeding its ambitious goals in the Solar Munich Master Plan. The expansion of renewable energies, especially photovoltaics, is an essential step towards a climate-neutral and sustainable energy supply. Munich sends an important signal and can serve as a model for other cities and municipalities that want to advance their own photovoltaic expansion plans.

Mayor Dieter Reiter: “There is still huge untapped potential for clean energy on Munich’s roofs, which is why I am very pleased that PV expansion, especially in the private sector, has gained significant momentum in Munich. Our funding program is having an impact. And we as a city are setting a good example and are the largest system operator in the city with an installed PV capacity of around 7 MWp.”

Christine Kugler, speaker for climate and environmental protection: “The current PV expansion figures are impressive and can almost entirely be attributed to the commitment of private individuals. For example, well over 1,000 small system operators were enthusiastic about the so-called balcony power plants. Municipal solar funding was applied for for around 2,000 additional balcony solar systems and almost 3,000 larger PV systems. This shows us that we have hit the nerve of the times with our “climate-neutral buildings” funding program.”