A museum full of history - and now also full of solar energy! The Museum August Macke Haus in Bonn has taken a big step towards sustainability: a photovoltaic system was put into operation on the museum roof in December 2024. While visitors inside immerse themselves in the world of the expressionist August Macke, the museum produces its own green electricity outside.
The August Macke House in Bonn is not only a museum, but also a living place of remembrance. It was the painter's home and studio and the rooms now offer a deep insight into his life and work. Macke's art can be experienced through changing exhibitions, events and creative workshops.
Co-financing by green electricity customers
The solar system was financed by the Knauber Group, which had already been involved in the energy transition in its region before, for example with the Bonn animal shelter. Part of the costs were covered by subsidies as part of the green electricity certification. The core criterion of the seal of approval is that a fixed amount per kilowatt hour of electricity consumed flows into the expansion of renewable energies and energy transition projects. This photovoltaic system was therefore also made possible by customers from the "KnauberStrom GrünAktiv" tariff certified with Grüner Strom-Label. In this way, green electricity customers make an important contribution to the energy transition, the added value remains in the region and the museum can reduce its energy costs in the long term.
"We are proud to be making a further contribution to climate protection with the PV system on the August Macke Haus museum. This project impressively demonstrates how our customers can actively support sustainable measures with the GrünAktiv electricity tariff. Together, we are creating real added value for our region and for climate protection," says Dr. Ines Knauber-Daubenbüchel, Managing Partner of the Knauber Group.
Lower energy costs and a better carbon footprint
The solar power generated benefits the August Macke Haus to the tune of 100 % and can thus cover part of the museum's considerable own requirements. This saves the museum a considerable amount of its energy costs. With a total output of 16.53 kilowatts, the system generates around 12,000 kilowatt hours per year. For comparison: that would be enough to supply around four households for a year. The system saves the museum around 3.5 tons of CO₂ per year - equivalent to the emissions that a car would cause on a journey from Sweden to South Africa, for example.
"We are delighted to be able to reduce our energy costs with the PV system and at the same time make an important contribution to our sustainable cultural strategy. We are very grateful to the Knauber Group for their great support," says Martin König, Commercial Director of the August Macke Haus Museum.
This project shows that culture and climate protection are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary: with sustainable energy solutions and local commitment, historic buildings can also be made more sustainable.
