Bergbahn AG Kitzbuhel Focuses On Sustainability With Innovative Solar Carport From AEP

Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel is constantly taking measures to save energy and conserve resources: from precise snow management to heat generation from renewable raw materials (pellets) and the fleet-wide use of HVO fuel (made from recycled waste and vegetable oil) to the ten existing photovoltaic systems.

The Kitzbühel cable car is now delighted to have taken another step towards the greatest possible sustainability: an innovative solar carport has been opened in the Klosterfeld car park, not far from the Hahnenkamm cable car, in collaboration with the Linz-based company AEP. The new carport has space for 19 vehicles and has a photovoltaic output of 57.72 kWp, which generates around 65,000 kWh of green electricity annually.

The total of 156 so-called bifacial PV modules have the ability to use both direct and reflected light and can thus maximize the efficiency of power generation. In addition, they are optimally designed for the demanding weather conditions in the Kitzbühel Alps and can withstand a snow load of up to 1,050 kg/m².

Another feature of this project is the foundation-less construction, which is made of 60 percent wood. This sustainable construction method not only enables quick and cost-effective construction, but also offers the flexibility to relocate the carport cost-effectively should the space be needed for other purposes in the future.

In the future, the solar power generated will be used directly to operate the Kitzbühel cable car. By reducing CO2 emissions by around 18 tonnes per year, the company is making a pioneering contribution to climate neutrality with this project.