High and fluctuating energy prices drive up costs for companies and make planning difficult. This does not have to be the case. "Many entrepreneurs are not aware that the solution to their problems is right above their head, on the roof," says Markus W. Voigt, CEO of the aream Group. Currently, there are still gigantic roof areas in Germany on which a solar power system could be installed. To tap this potential, aream is now cooperating with Vario green energy Concept GmbH, a developer of photovoltaic projects.

The year 2022 serves as a cautionary example: In the wake of the Russian attack on Ukraine, energy costs skyrocketed. The electricity price followed the gas price in its steep ups and downs. In the meantime, the situation has eased again. But electricity remains expensive, even in the long term. "The industry's switch from fossil fuels to CO2-free, often electricity-driven production processes will certainly ensure a strong increase in demand until 2050," explains Voigt. Concluding supply contracts that have to be renewed again and again therefore entails high timing risks for electricity customers.

Against this background, companies are increasingly deciding to become independent of suppliers and to supply themselves with green electricity. Having their own solar or wind power plant creates security for planning and calculation. "This does not only concern the pure energy costs," says Voigt. "After all, the prices for guarantees of origin have also risen sharply." Guarantees of origin, electronic documents certifying the generation of electricity from renewable energies, can be traded independently of the electricity produced. 

In addition, self-production opens up the possibility of feeding surplus electricity into the public grid against payment. In the event of a power cut, there is less dependence on the public grid. And finally, the business improves its CO2 balance. "In this respect, the time is right to take power generation into one's own hands," explains Voigt. However, the company should look for an experienced partner. The scope of the project and the capital invested must be well planned in order to realise the desired benefits. "After all, electricity production is not part of the core business of most companies.

To be self-sufficient, a large roof on which a solar system is installed may be enough these days. "Many large electricity customers have enough roof space above their production halls or office buildings to implement such projects," says Voigt. aream is responding to this demand by cooperating with Vario green energy Concept GmbH (VGEC) in Dettenhausen, a nationwide project developer and general contractor for the construction of photovoltaic systems. 

The cooperation includes the development and construction of photovoltaic systems as well as the support of commercial customers. "aream finds the roof areas and we then develop the project together with aream until it is ready for construction," explains Managing Director Axel Fellhauer of VGEC. "Thanks to years of experience, together we ensure that roofs become small power plants."