Vienna State Opera gets around 500 square metre PV system

Starting in early 2025, the historic Vienna State Opera will contribute to the city's energy transition with a new photovoltaic system on its roof. According to a press release from Wien Energie GmbH, this solar power system will cover approximately 500 square meters and will be discreetly placed, visible only from the air, to preserve the building's listed facade.

The solar power plant, boasting an output of around 100 kilowatts peak, will be installed during the roof renovation of the State Opera House. Contracts have been signed between Wien Energie and the Vienna State Opera to this effect. Peter Hanke, Vienna's City Councillor for Economic Affairs, emphasized the importance of complying with monument preservation measures while enabling the installation of the photovoltaic system, given the State Opera's status as a listed historical building.

The PV modules will be installed along the roof slopes facing west-east and south, ensuring they are not visible from the street. Michael Strebl, Chairman of the Wien Energie Management Board, highlighted the project's compliance with monument protection regulations, calling it a "showcase project." Petra Bohuslav, Commercial Director of the Vienna State Opera, added that the new system is expected to save around 5.5 tonnes of CO2 per year, marking an important step towards sustainability.