Dortmund take world lead with 11,000 solar panels planned for Westfallen

March 31 – The sun might not shine all the time in Dortmund, but that hasn’t stopped Borussia (BvB) from partnering with JA Solar to install the largest stadium rooftop solar system in the world.

The iconic Signal Iduna Park aka, Westfallen, will see more than 11,000 solar panels installed over the summer of 2025.

This collaboration builds on Dortmund’s sustainability objectives with the system expected to generate over 4 MWh of clean energy per year, which will significantly reduce the stadium’s carbon footprint.

JA Solar, which is a leading manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules will power BvB’s operations directly with an annual energy production equivalent to the needs of 1,000 fully solar-powered matches.

With Dortmund in the sustainability business for the long haul, the solar plant is designed to be operational for at least three decades. The club expects to save money, while also demonstrating their commitment to Germany’s increasing focus on renewable energy sources, especially in light of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the demand for natural gas.

Carsten Cramer, managing director of BvB said: “This partnership with JA Solar marks an important step in the planned renovation of the stadium’s PV system. The installation of the largest rooftop solar plant on a stadium globally reflects our dedication to sustainable innovation and climate-friendly infrastructure.”

JA Solar, based in China, the leading nation in energy tech, plans to be a leading player in clean energy and sports tech. Vice President of the company, Henning Schulze noted: “We are proud to see our modules featured on such an iconic stadium. The project demonstrates our long-term commitment to the European market and underlines shared values between JA Solar and Borussia Dortmund – particularly resilience, sustainability, and long-term vision.”

Borussia Dortmund has long been noted as a club that develops players for the future, and this collaboration models their strategic vision both on and off the pitch.

Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1743562880labto1743562880ofdlr1743562880owedi1743562880sni@o1743562880fni1743562880