A Place Where Energy Production Is Far Greater Than Energy Consumption

The energy from the sun is infinite. For that very reason, it’s no surprise that solar energy has taken the world by storm over the past several years. The cost of solar financing can sometimes shy people away from installing solar panels. Because this can be a big investment, many people often think the reward isn’t worth the financial sacrifice. What these people fail to realize is that, due to decreasing fossil fuel supplies, solar actually has the potential to save investor money in the long run.

Many people have invested in solar financing and have then seen the benefits of using solar power in their homes. If just one home using solar energy can make a difference, imagine what an entire community could do.  

Serving as an example, architect Rolf Disch first created, Heliotrope, a building that created more energy than it needed to use. The building was made “in protest against nuclear fuels.” At first. the project was merely experimental. Along with solar power, the building included a power plan that was fueled by vegetable oil. Rolf Disch said that this project was “not about exhausting nature, but taking advantage of it completely.”

Just a few years later, Disch continued his solar financing journey and began to be curious as to how much of a difference a community using solar power could make. The end result? Solarsiedlung, a solar village created by Rolf Disch, in Freidburg, Germany. It has been recorded that the community has produces four times more energy than it actually uses. This is the first place in the entire world to accomplish such a feat. 

There have been over 60 environmentally friendly homes added to this neighborhood since the commercial and residential space was declared energy net-positive in 2004. There are several features to these homes that make them so environmentally friendly. Some of these features include rainwater-recycling systems, woodchip boilers for heat, and, of course, using solar energy for electricity from solar panels. 

This village has inspired many people to invest in solar financing to use less fossil fuel and help benefit the environment. Along with the environmental benefits, electric bills for houses that use solar energy are typically much less than those that use fossil fuel. 

With more efficient energy coming from solar power, recycled rainwater systems and more, this community has made a huge difference in their nation’s carbon footprint. Communities in the U.S. and beyond can learn from the natural utility processes from Solarsiedlung to make our world a better, more long-lasting place.

Jordan Lee is a renewable energy writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Elements Capital Group.