Abattoir of Anderlecht has largest solar roof in Europe

Brussels startup and solar power solution provider Skysun has installed Europe’s most extensive built-in photovoltaic (BIPV) cell system on the Brussels Halle des Abattoirs’ roof. The BIPV installation – the first one of this size in Europe in urban surroundings – contains 5 808 solar panels. Together, they will produce 1 653 MWh (1 945 kWp) of electricity annually, the equivalent of 700 households’ consumption.

The installation covers about 12 000 square meters or about the surface of two soccer fields. According to Skysun, the Brussels start-up that developed the plans, it’s an ambitious renovation project.

“The Abattoir  – or slaughterhouse in English – is a listed monument and it’s rather unusual that the Royal Commission for Monuments and Landscapes of Brussels permits the installation of solar panels on a classified building,” explains Léopold Coppieters, co-founder of Skysun, in a press release from the Anderlecht Abattoirs.

Crowdfunding

“We developed a new technology, which integrates renewable energy discreetly into the roof, while the insulation and water tightness of this historical building remains guaranteed,” continues Coppieters.

The Halle des Abattoirs will use one-third of the electricity produced; the rest will be injected into the electricity grid. The project was co-financed by crowdfunding and yielded 300 000 euros. “It offers citizens the possibility to contribute to the sustainable development of their district,” says Thomas Derminne (PS), State Secretary for Recovery and Strategic Investments, in the press release.

Industrial architecture

Elke Tiebout, CEO of Abattoir NV: “The cooperation between Skysun and Abattoir NV leads to a win-win situation. […] Participating partners and the environment will take advantage of this long-term project.”

The Abattoir of Anderlecht illustrates the industrial architecture of the nineteenth century. Two bronze bulls mark the main entrance. Since 1988, the market hall – built in 1890 – has been officially listed as a monument.