18/03/2024

KOSTAL PIKO CI part of a large-scale photovoltaic project in Malmö

Reducing costs and protecting the environment – photovoltaics incorporated into a large construction project in Malmö.

At Hyacintgatan 45 in the Holma district of Malmö, there is a large residential complex which, like similar large projects before it, has now been equipped with a photovoltaic system. In the 1970s, as part of the "Million Programme", numerous housing estates were built over a short period on what was then farmland in order to create enough reasonably priced housing.

The complex in question is the Riksbyggen Brf Malmöhus 24 owners' association, which includes 540 apartments. We spoke to Daniel Ohlin, CEO and Manager at BBK Group AB, about his experiences on this project, the players involved and some interesting key figures.

As a solar installation business, you concentrate entirely on photovoltaics. Has that always been the case?

Daniel Ohlin: When we started out, our main focus was on managing both small and larger projects. The technical aspects of these projects were very demanding and they were commissioned by housing management companies such as HSB or Riksbyggen. We have also worked for other companies such as the Carlsberg Group. We found that many installation companies had gaps in their knowledge when it came to installing photovoltaic components, which even led to problems related to safety.

When we shared our findings and conclusions with one of our clients, they asked us to fully investigate the market and install the best brands in each category. This was the starting point for our solar project. We went from pure project management to installation and researching trends in the PV sector, looking for the best products and installers. For this reason, we chose KOSTAL solar inverters and the REC Group from Norway. After this initial phase, our work to supply the Swedish market grew exponentially. We are now one of a handful of companies who focus only on quality.

As a certified KOSTAL installer, you only install inverters from KOSTAL. Why did you choose KOSTAL?

Daniel Ohlin: We chose KOSTAL inverters for three main reasons:

1) Research and development takes place in the EU and in Germany. This guarantees a high level of quality in terms of hardware and software.

2) Should we have any questions or encounter problems, experienced and local technical experts in the EU can help us if necessary.

3) After testing most brands of solar inverters, we came to the clear conclusion that KOSTAL inverters are the best and most efficient products on the market. This fact alone is reason enough to choose KOSTAL.

You are currently installing several commercial inverters as part of a larger project in Holma, Malmö. Can you tell us a little about this building complex? How many systems are included in this project?

Daniel Ohlin: Yes, we are involved in many projects like that. Many of these are commissioned by HSB and Riksbyggen, for example. The focus lies in ensuring that every element adheres to the most stringent quality criteria. This includes solar modules and inverters, but also extends to the installation team and electricians.

The Riksbyggen Brf Malmöhus 24, for example, consists of 15 buildings with different layouts, some of which are even more than 30 metres in height. We started installing solar modules on the first building at the end of 2016 and have completed one building every year since. We are installing panels on the aforementioned tall building as no one else in Sweden has the technical experience needed to install products from these manufacturers, namely REC Solar, KOSTAL and also the K2 mounting system for high wind loads and extreme installation positions.

All these systems share the same structure to ensure the longevity of the system, which mainly consists of KOSTAL inverters, REC solar modules and K2 mounting systems.

Did the installation process go smoothly?

Daniel Ohlin: The installation has been really smooth on all previous projects and also on this latest one because all the companies that supplied materials and produced calculations for the project were continually in contact with one another to coordinate data and requirements.

Daniel, you have an overview of the whole project. Can you give us some figures for the buildings that are already equipped with a solar system?

Daniel Ohlin: In this particular project, Riksbyggen BRF, solar systems are now installed on six out of the 14 buildings. The total installed power is 650 kWp. A total of 17 KOSTAL inverters have been installed. Among them are the EPC and its modern successor, the PIKO CI, which is available in 30, 50/60 and 100 kW. All in all, about 550,000 kWh of electricity can be produced annually.

At the beginning, it was expected that the break-even point would be reached in eight years. However, when Germany and Sweden shut down some nuclear reactors, energy prices skyrocketed, meaning that the break-even point was reached after just four years. As a result, the PV systems installed first have paid for themselves and produce sufficiently clean electricity.

Who uses the electricity in the Riksbyggen Brf Malmöhus 24 housing complex?

Daniel Ohlin: The electricity goes to the various building power distributors, where the electricity is first and foremost used by the residents and building equipment such as ventilation, lifts, lighting in the garages, but also for charging electric cars, etc.

Why did you choose a system parallel to the roof (Dome Zero) without elevation?

Daniel Ohlin: The Dome Zero is a brand new system from K2 and we are proud to be the first in Sweden authorised to use the system and integrate it into our solution. The K2 system makes it possible for the solar system to be installed parallel to the roof pitch and so no building permit is required from the building authorities. In addition, the new system requires far fewer attachments or fixings in the solid timber roof substructure.

Daniel, thank you for your insight and time.

Note: The KOSTAL PIKO CI project inverter is available in the power classes 30, 50/60 and 100 kW.

Riksbyggen Brf Malmöhus 24

Facts and figures

15 buildings/540 flats
So far, six roofs have been equipped with solar panels
Installed PV power 650 kWp
Total annual production >550.000 kWh
Solar panels: REC N-Peak & REC Twinpeak5
Number of solar panels: 2048
Return on investment: on average around 5 years