Messe Friedrichshafen launches Largest Rooftop Solar Installation in the Lake Constance Region

5.5 MWp photovoltaic system goes online, marking a milestone for sustainable energy supply in Friedrichshafen and the wider region. As of February 24 2026, Messe Friedrichshafen has officially commissioned one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic systems in the Lake Constance region, bringing a 5.5 megawatt peak (MWp) installation online across ten exhibition halls. The project represents a major step forward in the venue’s sustainability strategy and significantly strengthens regional green energy supply.

From left: Roman Bodenmüller, Managing Director of Messe Friedrichshafen Energie Projektgesellschaft mbH. Followed by: Klaus Wellmann, Managing Director, Messe Friedrichshafen. Finally Simon Blümcke, Mayor of Friedrichshafen, all at the inauguration of the region’s largest rooftop photovoltaic system.

Installed in recent months across approximately 25,000 square metres of roof space, the system comprises around 12,400 solar modules and is complemented by a 2.2 MWh battery storage unit. Going forward, the exhibition centre will generate a large proportion of its own electricity demand on site, feeding surplus green power into the regional grid.

“With the commissioning of our 5.5 megawatt peak PV system, Messe Friedrichshafen is quite literally going online,” said Klaus Wellmann (above), Managing Director of Messe Friedrichshafen . “Together with strong regional technology partners, we are sending a clear signal for self-generated power, high energy autonomy and sustainable business operations. The project is a central pillar of our sustainability strategy and supports the City of Friedrichshafen’s climate targets by reducing CO₂ emissions by around 2,735 tonnes annually."

Delivered on Schedule and Below Budget:

Despite being implemented alongside ongoing exhibition operations, the installation adhered to an ambitious construction timeline and was delivered approximately ten percent below the planned €7.5 million investment.

The symbolic activation of the photovoltaic system during the official inauguration on the exhibition hall rooftops.

“Technically, this is a high-performance installation that covers a substantial share of the exhibition centre’s electricity demand,” explained Roman Bodenmüller, Managing Director of Messe Friedrichshafen Energie Projektgesellschaft mbH. “We are particularly proud that we were able to keep to the ambitious construction schedule and deliver the project more economically than originally planned. The result clearly demonstrates how professionally and efficiently large-scale projects can be implemented at this location.”

Green Energy for Messe, City and Region

The City of Friedrichshafen has recognised the installation as a significant contribution to regional climate objectives.

“This system has deliberately been dimensioned considerably larger than the exhibition centre would require alone,” said Simon Blümcke, Mayor of Friedrichshafen. “Two-thirds of the green electricity generated will be supplied to the city and surrounding region, directly contributing to our climate targets.”

The photovoltaic installation delivers a total output of 5.5 MWp, positioning Messe Friedrichshafen as a future oriented infrastructure site which combines event operations with long-term energy resilience. The integration of battery storage further enhances stability and operational efficiency.

Strong Regional Partnership

The project was achieved in close cooperation with experienced partners from the Lake Constance region. Engineering services were provided by Ingenieurbüro Kienle (Ostrach), roof reinforcement works carried out by Gramm (Friedrichshafen), and overall project execution was led by Reimer Elektrotechnik (Neu-Ulm). Zeppelin Power Systems participated as technology partner for digital energy integration.

“We are pleased to be part of this forward-looking project,” said Matthias Benz, Chairman of the Management Board of the Zeppelin Group. “Our expertise in the digital integration of energy systems contributes to the efficient operation of the installation and a resilient power supply.”

Werner Engl, Head of Sales at Zeppelin Power Systems, added that the digital solution enables the monitoring of energy consumption, battery storage conditions and maintenance intervals, ensuring operational stability.

Founded in 1950 to promote regional economic development, Messe Friedrichshafen has grown into one of Germany’s leading trade fair companies. With 87,500 m² of exhibition space across twelve halls and extensive outdoor areas, the venue hosts international trade fairs, congresses and large-scale events, attracting exhibitors and visitors from more than 100 countries each year.

With the launch of the new photovoltaic rooftop system, Messe Friedrichshafen reinforces its position as a sustainable, high-performance and future-ready venue – serving events, business and regional energy supply alike.