In addition to architecture, engineering, and construction management services for this new production facility, SSOE also performed a full-spectrum renewable energy survey to determine the most suitable and cost effective technology to utilize to meet Volkswagen’s energy production and system integration requirements.

The survey included all available renewable energy technologies such as solar electric, solar thermal / cooling, wind, biomass, and landfill gas to meet a 4 million kWh renewable energy production target. The study aimed at developing the most effective renewable energy systems to meet Volkswagen’s sustainability and economic objectives for the campus on a 1,500 acre site. A preliminary design of a 3 MW photovoltaic system and a 2 MW landfill gas generating system resulted from the study.

The photovoltaic segment of the project included a full technology comparison of ground based and building-integrated systems, multiple module technologies, and tracking system evaluations. This project resulted in preliminary design of an 800 kW and 3 MW building integrated photovoltaic system which included a CSI master specification-based bid package.