Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the Elsner Elektronik company buildingPhotovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the Elsner Elektronik company building

Energy from our own (solar) power

Generating electricity where it is needed

The energy transition begins where energy is consumed. That is why we at Elsner Elektronik generate a large proportion of our electricity directly at our company site in Ostelsheim. Today, photovoltaics, battery storage and intelligent energy management form an integrated system designed to achieve an electricity self-sufficiency rate of over 90% in the future. All investments have been made without government funding programmes or subsidies.

Furthermore, all electricity is generated on existing roof surfaces. No additional land has been sealed, no natural areas have been used and no landscapes have been altered.

Our aim is to use the electricity we generate as directly as possible where it is needed – and to store it before feeding it into the public grid.

Generating, storing and using electricity intelligently

The energy concept

Elsner Elektronik makes full use of the existing roof surfaces of its production building and hangar to generate its own electricity. The photovoltaic system faces east and west, ensuring that electricity generation is distributed evenly throughout the day. Following the expansion in 2026, the system now has a total capacity of 176 kWp.

Electricity that is not needed immediately is stored in batteries with a combined capacity of 407.4 kWh. This means the energy generated remains available even when the sun is not shining. Surplus electricity is only fed into the public grid once the batteries are fully charged. The original part of the system, with a storage capacity of 149.4 kWh, remains fully capable of operating independently of the grid and can continue supplying the company in the event of a power outage.

A central energy management system connects generation, storage and consumption. It also takes current spot market electricity prices into account and automatically charges the batteries when electricity is particularly inexpensive. This helps optimise self-sufficiency.

Aerial view of Elsner Elektronik buildings with rooftop photovoltaic systemsAerial view of Elsner Elektronik buildings with rooftop photovoltaic systems
Solar energy for operations and mobility

Energy use

The solar electricity generated is primarily used directly at the company site. It powers production, development, administration and IT infrastructure. The vehicle fleet is also part of the energy concept: around 90% of the vehicles are fully electric or hybrid, and some are charged using electricity generated on site.

Reducing energy demand through building automation

Energy savings

Alongside generating our own electricity, keeping energy consumption as low as possible also plays an important role. In the Elsner Elektronik company building, the building automation system automatically controls the blinds on the large windows, among other functions. In summer, they provide protection against heat and reduce the warming of indoor spaces. In winter, they remain open so that sunlight can help heat the building until the desired room temperature is reached.

In this way, the control system combines comfort with energy-efficient building operation.

Glass façade of the Elsner Elektronik company building with external sun shadingGlass façade of the Elsner Elektronik company building with external sun shading
Expansion since 2019

Development

Elsner Elektronik commissioned a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 98.5 kWp back in 2019. Since then, the system has been continuously developed:

  • 2019: Photovoltaic system with 98.5 kWp and 74.7 kWh of battery storage
  • 2021: Expansion of total storage capacity to 149.4 kWh
  • 2023: Increase in photovoltaic capacity to 144.4 kWp
  • 2026: Expansion to a total photovoltaic capacity of 176 kWp and battery storage capacity of 407.4 kWh
Economic sense, security of supply and climate protection

The idea behind it

"For us, the energy transition is not just about generating electricity, but also about using it wisely," the management of Elsner Elektronik agrees. "Every kilowatt-hour that can be consumed or stored directly on site reduces the load on the grid, minimises losses and increases security of supply.

We chose this path not because of an ideological stance, but because it makes economic sense – years before electricity prices and security of supply became daily topics on the evening news."

With this expansion, Elsner Elektronik has taken another important step towards greater self-sufficiency in electricity. The focus is on economic efficiency, security of supply and making the most efficient possible use of the electricity generated on site. By installing the photovoltaic systems on existing roof surfaces, no additional land was required for electricity generation. In this way, Elsner Elektronik puts into practice a value that also shapes its corporate mission: a future-oriented mindset.

Photovoltaic panels at the Elsner Elektronik company building in OstelsheimPhotovoltaic panels at the Elsner Elektronik company building in Ostelsheim

Legal guarantee

Harmonised EU legal guarantee notice

Minimum two-year legal guarantee protection for goods sold in the European Union.

Consumers can claim their rights under the legal guarantee of conformity, for example if goods:

  • do not match the description;
  • do not function as intended.

Sellers are liable for any lack of conformity which existed when the goods were delivered, and which becomes apparent within the legal guarantee period. Sellers in such a situation are required to offer:

  • free repair or free replacement;
  • in some cases, a price reduction or full reimbursement.

Some countries have a longer legal guarantee period. For second-hand goods, a shorter period may apply, but not less than one year.

What to do if you receive non-conforming goods:

  1. Contact the seller as soon as possible to report the issue;
  2. Provide proof of purchase, such as a receipt, invoice, or bank statement.

Sellers and producers may also offer commercial guarantees, which apply independently from the legal guarantee. For example, you may see this GARAN label representing a commercial guarantee of durability offered by the producer at no additional cost and covering the entire good.

For more information on your rights in a specific country, visit the page below or ask the seller. https://europa.eu/youreurope/guarantees