At Hyacintgatan 45 in the Holma district of Malmö, Sweden, there is a large residential complex which, like similar large projects before it, has now been equipped with a photovoltaic system. In the 1970s, as part of the ‘Million Programme’, numerous housing estates were built over a short period on what was then farmland in order to create enough reasonably priced housing. The complex in question is the Riksbyggen Brf Malmöhus 24 owners´ association, which includes 540 apartments. PES spoke to Daniel Ohlin, CEO and Manager at BBK Group AB, about his experiences on this project, the players involved and some interesting key figures.
PES: Welcome to PES Daniel. As a solar installation business, you concentrate entirely on photovoltaics. Has that always been the case?
Daniel Ohlin: When we started out, our main focus was on managing both small and larger projects. The technical aspects of these projects were very demanding and they were commissioned by housing management companies such as HSB or Riksbyggen. We have also worked for other companies such as the Carlsberg Group.
We found that many installation companies had gaps in their knowledge when it came to installing photovoltaic components, which led to problems related to safety. When we shared our findings and conclusions with one of our clients, they asked us to fully investigate the market and install the best brands in each category.
This was the starting point for our solar project journey. We went from pure project management to installation and researching trends in the PV sector, looking for the best products and installers.
For this reason, we chose KOSTAL solar inverters and the REC Group from Norway. After this initial phase, our work to supply the Swedish market grew exponentially. We are now one of a handful of companies focusing entirely on quality.
PES: As a certified KOSTAL installer, you only install inverters from this brand. Why did you choose them?
DO: We chose KOSTAL inverters for three main reasons. Firstly, its research and development takes place in the EU and in Germany. This guarantees a high level of quality in terms of hardware and software.
Also, should we have any questions or encounter problems, experienced and local technical experts in the EU can help us if necessary.
Finally, after testing most brands of solar inverters, we came to the clear conclusion that KOSTAL inverters are the best and most efficient products on the market. This fact alone is reason enough to choose them.
PES: You are currently installing several commercial inverters as part of a larger project in Holma, Malmö. Can you tell us a little about this building complex? How many systems are included in this project?
DO: Yes, this is one of many projects we are involved in. Many of these are commissioned by HSB and Riksbyggen, for example. The primary focus lies in ensuring that every element adheres to the most stringent quality criteria. This encompasses not only solar modules and inverters but also extends to the installation team and electricians.
The Riksbyggen Bostadsrättsförening (BRF) Malmöhus 24, for example, consists of 15 buildings with different layouts, some of which are over 30 metres high. We started installing solar modules on the first building at the end of 2016 and have completed one building every year since.
We’re installing panels on the aforementioned tall building because there’s a lack of technical expertise in Sweden to handle the installation of products from REC Solar, KOSTAL, and the K2 mounting system. These are specifically designed for high wind loads and challenging installation positions.
PES: Tell us more about the installation process. Did it go smoothly?
DO: The installation has been really smooth on all previous projects and also on this latest one because all the companies that supplied materials and produced calculations for the project were continually in contact with one another to coordinate data and requirements.
PES: Daniel, you have an overview of the whole project. Can you give us some figures for the buildings that are already equipped with a solar system?
DO: In this particular project, Riksbyggen BRF, solar systems are now installed on six out of the 14 buildings. The total installed pv power is 650 kWp. A total of 17 KOSTAL inverters have been installed. Among them are the EPC and its modern successor, the PIKO CI which is available in 30, 50/60 and 100 kW. All in all, about 550,000 kWh of electricity can be produced annually.
It was initially expected that the break-even point would be reached in eight years. However, when Germany and Sweden shut down some nuclear reactors, energy prices skyrocketed, meaning that the break-even point was reached after just four years. As a result, the PV systems installed first have paid for themselves and produce sufficiently clean electricity.
PES: Who uses the electricity in the Riksbyggen Brf Malmöhus 24 housing complex?
DO: The electricity goes to the various building power distributors, where it is first and foremost used by the residents and building equipment such as ventilation, lifts, lighting in the garages, but also for charging electric cars, etc.
PES: Why did you choose a system parallel to the roof, Dome Zero, without elevation?
DO: The Dome Zero is a brand new system from K2 and we are proud to be the first in Sweden authorised to use and integrate it into our solution. The K2 system makes it possible for the solar system to be installed parallel to the roof pitch, so no building permit is required. In addition, it requires far fewer attachments or fixings in the solid timber roof substructure.
PES: Daniel, thank you for your insight and time.