Dortmund-JA SOLAR sports-sustainability steps

Article posted by Coliseum, April 15^th, 2025

Image: JA Solar

JA SOLAR, a leading global manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, has partnered with the Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund, one of Europe’s most renowned football clubs, to install a large-scale solar power system on the roof of their home pitch – the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

‘SOLARQUARTER’ stated that the above initiative will create the world’s largest photovoltaic (PV) installation on a stadium roof positioning Borussia Dortmund as a pioneer in sustainable energy within the sports industry.

Founded in 2005, Beijing (China)-based JA Solar is a manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic (PV) products. With multiple manufacturing bases and 13 sales subsidiaries around the world the company’s business covers silicon wafers, cells, modules, and the PV power stations.

Borussia Dortmund or just known as Dortmund is a German professional sports club based in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). It is best known for its men’s professional football team which plays in the Bundesliga, the top tier of the German football league system.

The 81,365-capacity Westfalenstadion (officially known as the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK) is a football stadium in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and serves as the home stadium of the Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund.

‘SOLARQUARTER’ further stated that the project is a testament to both organizations’ shared commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.

The SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, which boasts the highest average match attendance in European football, will now also stand as a symbol of renewable energy leadership.

The JA SOLAR carefully selects its partners based on core values such as integrity, respect and a dedication to sustainability. The collaboration with Borussia Dortmund reflects these principles reinforcing JA SOLAR’s commitment to delivering high-quality solar solutions that drive decarbonization. With this installation the JA SOLAR strengthens its presence in the European PV market and continues to support the global transition toward clean energy. The project not only enhances Borussia Dortmund’s energy efficiency but also serves as an example for the other sports organizations and commercial entities looking to integrate renewable energy solutions into their infrastructure.

The photovoltaic system will consist of over 11,000 high-performance solar modules generating more than 4 GWh of clean electricity annually. This energy will be directly utilized by the Borussia Dortmund reducing the club’s reliance on external power sources while significantly cutting its carbon footprint. The system is expected to lower the club’s CO₂ emissions by approximately 1,800 tons per year. To put this into perspective the solar energy generated could power the stadium’s floodlights for approximately 1,000 matches annually. The installation is designed to operate efficiently for at least 30 years ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits for the Borussia Dortmund.

A key feature of this project is the integration of JA SOLAR’s sleek Full-Black modules which will seamlessly blend with the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK’s architectural design.

The deep black panels perfectly complement Borussia Dortmund’s iconic black-and-yellow identity making the installation not only a functional improvement but also a visually cohesive addition to the stadium. While these high-efficiency modules are widely used for the residential rooftops due to their aesthetic appeal this project highlights their effectiveness for commercial and large-scale applications. Furthermore, all the modules used in the installation comply with JA SOLAR’s ITS Supply Chain Standard ensuring sustainability and ethical sourcing throughout the production process.

Commented Carsten Cramer, Managing Director, Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA, “We are very pleased about the partnership with JA SOLAR which will play a key role in the planned renovation of the photovoltaic system on the roof of the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. This collaboration underlines our commitment to sustainability and innovative technologies. With JA SOLAR’s modules which will power the largest photovoltaic system on any stadium roof we are setting the course for a more environmental-friendly future.”

Mentioned Henning Schulze, Vice-President, JA SOLAR, “We believe that the Borussia Dortmund and the JA SOLAR share many common values and we are really proud that our modules are to be used for this project at this iconic stadium. In times of rapid political change and market disruption our participation in this project is a clear statement from JA SOLAR that we are here to stay.”

Beyond its immediate benefits this initiative marks a significant milestone for renewable energy in the sports sector. Borussia Dortmund is setting a precedent for the other clubs and the stadiums worldwide demonstrating that the top-tier sports facilities can successfully incorporate large-scale solar solutions without compromising performance or aesthetics. The project also underscores the role of the football clubs in promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable development. By leveraging JA SOLAR’s expertise the Borussia Dortmund is proving that sports and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The installation of the solar panels is scheduled to begin in the Summer of 2025 with the project expected to be completed by the end of the same season. Once operational the system will enhance the stadium’s energy security and resilience ensuring a stable supply of clean electricity. This groundbreaking initiative will not only support Borussia Dortmund’s sustainability goals but also inspire the other organizations to take similar steps toward energy transition. Through this partnership the JA SOLAR and Borussia Dortmund are not only advancing sustainability in football but also setting a new global standard for how sports facilities can contribute to a cleaner and more energy-efficient future.

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