Both leading in their sectors, the two brands are joining forces to extend the reach of ‘new energy' in the Ruhrgebiet region and raise awareness on photovoltaics at an international level. True to the motto ‘SolarChampions', Q-Cells and BVB will strive to jointly promote transformation of the energy market. As part of the partnership, a major solar system from Q-Cells will be installed on the roof and facades of BVB's stadium, SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, so that BVB can produce clean and cost-efficient energy from a durable source in the form of solar power and increase the sustainability of the site. The five-year partnership includes a range of different measures above and beyond environmentally-friendly energy supply, with the aim of raising awareness of solar energy, the Q-Cells brand and products among a broad public and allowing people to experience them. A number of activities are planned to further this end.
Q-Cells SE was founded in 1999 in what is known as Solar Valley in the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. Since then, the company has developed from one of the biggest solar cell manufacturers into one of the world's leading PV companies within just a few years. Q-Cells' wide product range covers everything from solar cells, crystalline and thin-film modules to complete photovoltaic systems, both in the commercial sector and on the scale of power plants.
An integral part of Q-Cells' partnership with BVB is the solar system it will have finished installing on the roof and the facades of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK by October. With a total output of 920.64 kWp, the system can supply up to 860,000 kWh, which corresponds to the demand of approximately 215 households. The system will be fitted with a total of 8,768 modules from the Q-Cells Q.SMART module series. Q.SMART is Q-Cells' thin film solar module, manufactured at the company's principal site in Bitterfeld-Wolfen using CIGS technology. An attractive feature of Q.SMART modules, along with their high output even in conditions of low solar radiation, is their suitability for aesthetically appealing installations due to their homogeneous black design.
The partnership with BVB has the aim of emotionalising the Q-Cells brand. In addition to many other measures, the Q-Cells logo will be displayed on perimeters and other advertising spaces during all Bundesliga home games at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. Q-Cells will continuously draw attention to the issue of solar energy during the course of the partnership which is planned as a long-term cooperation, and will integrate the team and coach of BVB into its corporate communications activities. The company aims at benefitting from the partnership with BVB by implementing a comprehensive communications concept that combines diverse advertising activities. The young and successful BVB team is the perfect partner for Q-Cells. Club, team and coach Jürgen Klopp perfectly reflect Q-Cells' brand values: values such as leadership, strong future potential and dynamism will transport the main theme of the ‘SolarChampions' partnership.
‘Our aim with this partnership is to provide proof that we are pressing consistently onwards on the path towards becoming one of the photovoltaics industry's leading solutions providers. Our cooperation with the reigning German football champion will help us and our partners to transport the benefits of the Q-Cells portfolio of products and services to end customers in a credible and emotionally powerful way', remarked Hans-Gerd Füchtenkort, Executive Board member for sales and marketing at Q-Cells.
Asked to comment on the partnership, Carsten Cramer, head of sales and marketing at Borussia, said: ‘We have been watching developments in the field of solar energy for a long time and have collected information on the issue. We received more than 20 proposals for cooperation from solar energy companies. However, it was an easy decision; we voted unanimously for Q-Cells. They have a top-class, coherent concept that fits Borussia Dortmund and stood out from their competitors with their suggestion to install attractive black solar modules on our roof and facades. Q-Cells' position as an international company with a German background was another benefit. We are looking forward to working with Q-Cells and are confident that this long-term partnership will be a success for both parties. I think now is a good time to start this cooperation.'
