Expansion: University counts on solar power
12/16/2025The University of Würzburg stands for sustainability - and therefore also for renewable energies. Its endeavours include the ongoing expansion in the field of photovoltaics. The largest system to date was recently connected to the grid.
At the end of the year, the largest photovoltaic system at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) will be connected to the grid. It was built as part of the renovation work on the Philosophy Building.
The funding came from a special programme of the Free State of Bavaria. In addition to the Philosophy Building, Building 25 on the Hubland North Campus was also equipped for a total of around one million euros. Together, the two systems achieve a kilowatt peak (kWp) of around 550. This number describes the nominal output of a solar system. As a rule of thumb in Germany, it can be assumed that 1 kWp generates an average of around 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year.
Small beginnings, big plans
JMU installed its first photovoltaic systems towards the end of the 2000s, at that time still on a rather small scale. For economic reasons, however, it makes particular sense to build on as large an area as possible, as each system also requires infrastructure. Installation is also only worthwhile on new or recently renovated roofs.
The system on the philosophy building is not expected to retain its proverbial "place in the sun" for long. By the end of 2026, a system with 2,400 kWp will be built on a large open space to the south of the sports centre, which will clearly outshine the previous systems in terms of output. The construction project will cost around three million euros.
An investment that the university management is happy to make. Professor Anja Schlömerkemper, Vice President for Equal Opportunities, Career Planning and Sustainability, explains: "Universities have a role model function in the socio-ecological transformation of society. The expansion of renewable energies is an important step on the way to a sustainable University of Würzburg."
