How do we bring photovoltaics to commercial space? Prof. Maximilian Schüler asked himself this question together with his students as part of the company environmental protection module in the 2025 summer semester.
Local companies as a partner
Over a period of four months, the students worked together with the companies Diakonie Nord Nord Ost, Polster up to Climate decision Lübeck eV on the question.
Plan photovoltaics economically and ecologically sensibly
The aim of the students was to develop individual solutions for companies in order to integrate the use of photovoltaics (PV) economically and ecologically sensibly into existing structures. For me, the company environmental protection module has been defined for me that at the beginning of the semester you define your own project goal and work on the semester, clearly distinguished from all modules that have been occupied so far
says Marie Deumeland, UIM student at TH Lübeck.
Impulses for regional economy and environmental protection
We were particularly impressed by how all teams have developed consistently practicable and at the same time economically convincing photovoltaic solutions. These results show that practical teaching paired with professional support releases real innovative strength and can provide valuable impulses for the regional economy and environmental protection
says Michael Reinhart from the environmental working group of the VDI district association Lübeck.
PV systems in combination with E-Fuhrpark
The project group around Joscha Moser, Sophie Wimmer and Emily Isinger worked together with the Diakonie Nord Nord Ost the recommendation to install PV systems and combined to electrify the company’s own fleet. The focus was on climate amortization and the economic profitability of the project.
Lease of roof areas
For the Polster Aktuell GmbH & Co. KG Analyzed Alisa Roisch, Claas Vietor, Joshua Schönmuth and Felix Beulke Different uses of the roof areas, from electricity feed to leasing. The recommendation: In this case, leasing is the most economically sensible solution.
Lithium-ion batteries and charging stations
Tom Berner, Godsaid Malock and Dorian Haeger followed with the Lehmann GmbH the goal of increasing your own consumption through the partial electrification of the fleet. After two utility analyzes, the group spoke out for the use of lithium-ion batteries with suitable charging stations, as a more sustainable alternative to battery replacement systems or lead-acid batteries.
PV roofing of parking spaces
On behalf of the Climatic Ben Seidel, Friedrich Böck and Justus Sotek developed an Excel-based tool to estimate the economy of PV roofs in parking spaces. In the future, this tool will serve as pragmatic support in the pre -assessment of investments in this area.
Optimally distribute the PV current
Together with the Lother group And its subsidiary Nordenergy examined Simon Radeke, Christoph Müller-Rehaag Rangel and Tom Hebener, how the electricity can be optimally distributed from an existing PV system. Due to two existing network connections, there is the possibility to supply several buildings on the commercial area. The recommendation of the students is to actively use this option to maximize the profitability of the system.
Tailor -made concept: lightweight modules and inverters
Jonathan März, Eva Körner and Felix Niemeyer awaited a special challenge with the Lübeck plastic plant of the Alpla Group worked. Due to static restrictions on the production halls, a classic PV installation was not possible. The students developed a tailor -made concept with adhesive lightweight modules and suitable inverters, which would enable both an increase in self -sufficiency and annual savings on electricity costs.
Students as a service provider
All groups were accompanied by Kai Arne Stache, Marie Deumeland, Tim Polter and Hanna Marie Delfs, who were responsible for organizational processes, communication and coordination as an internal service unit. They contributed to the smooth process throughout the project. Marie Deumeland belonged to this group: Personally, the module gave me an insight into how environmental protection can be established in companies and what project management actually means in practice. This gave me a feeling for what could expect in professional life in the future
says Marie Deumeland.
Noteworthy contribution to local climate protection
We are very pleased that we, as a volunteer association, were able to help strengthen the bridge between the university and practice. The use of the students shows how valuable the cooperation between the university and society is. With this project, a significant contribution to local climate protection was made
says Michael Bischoff from the climate decision Lübeck e. V. and as a former professor of the UIM course.
What’s next?
I am very proud of the students. Everyone put a lot of work and we got through nights in the project and it was worth it. There is a lot to speak for this to offer the module with this project again next year
says Prof. Maximilian Schüler. Michael Reinhart points in a similar direction: We from the Working Group of the VDI district association Lübeck are proud to support such interdisciplinary projects, and will be happy to be available as mentors for students in the future.