Automobile station powered by Mage wins award
The "green gas station of the future" located in Geilenkirchen, a town in western Germany, is award winner in the Innovation category, which pays tribute to its new future-minded concept for gas stations. The concept centers on utilizing renewable energies in all aspects of the gas station. An ample arrangement of measures has been implemented in an area spanning nearly 6,000m² that enable environmentally-friendly, ecological operations at a gas station.
The roofing with solar modules by MAGE SUNOVATION provides the centerpiece of the gas station, stylishly defining it as an airy space flooded by natural lighting. The modules were implemented over the forecourt, the automatic car wash, the self-service car wash, and the vacuum cleaner stations. Nearly 245 custom-tailored glass|glass solar modules were installed over a surface area of 630m² to provide a capacity of 65kWp. The solar modules feature a transparent look and are integrated into the roofing structure. They create covered spaces with plenty of natural lighting, which gives the gas station a bright and friendly atmosphere.
The exclusive gas station, which is the only one of its kind to date, was completed in three months. "The use of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) puts the finishing touch to the concept of renewable energies regarding solar output and overall picture", says Heribert Ley, general manager of MAGE SUNOVATION GmbH. The investment in innovation was rewarded since the curb appeal received the highest available score by the jury of Zukunftsforum Tankstelle.
UNITI Bundesverband mittelständischer Mineralölunternehmen e.V., a German association of medium-sized petroleum companies, hosts the Zukunftsforum Tankstelle event, which has become a tradition in the sector. At the annual event, an expert panel selects the gas station of the year, in addition to the offer on lectures and discussions taking place. Eight gas stations throughout Germany received this award in 2012.
