February 24, 2026
Messe Friedrichshafen has officially put one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic projects in the Lake Constance region into operation. In recent months, a photovoltaic system with a total capacity of 5.5 megawatts peak has been installed on the roofs of ten exhibition halls. In the future, the trade fair will generate a large part of its electricity requirements itself and feed surplus energy into the regional grid as green electricity. The facility was officially inaugurated on February 24, 2026, on the trade fair roofs at the Friedrichshafen location in the presence of representatives from politics and business.
"With the commissioning of our 5.5-megawatt-peak PV system, Messe Friedrichshafen is literally going online. Together with strong technology partners from the region, we are sending a clear signal for on-site power generation, high energy self-sufficiency and sustainable management," says Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen. "The project is a central pillar of our sustainability strategy and at the same time supports the climate targets of the city of Friedrichshafen by reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 2,735 tons."
Technology, dimensions and regional integration
The new photovoltaic system covers an area of around 25,000 square meters, comprises approximately 12,400 modules and achieves a total output of 5.5 MWp. In addition, a battery capacity of 2.2 MWh was installed. The solar power generated is primarily used on the exhibition grounds; any surplus energy is fed into the regional grid.
"From a technical perspective, it is a high-performance system that covers a substantial share of the trade fair's own electricity demand. We are very proud that we were able to meet the ambitious construction schedule and complete the project for the planned 7.5 million euros, which is around ten percent below the original budget," explains Roman Bodenmüller, Managing Director of Messe Friedrichshafen Energie Projektgesellschaft mbH. "In parallel with ongoing event operations, everyone involved worked together with great dedication, and at every stage you could sense the enthusiasm and motivation to contribute to this major project. The result clearly demonstrates how professionally and efficiently large‑scale projects can be delivered at this location."
Green electricity for trade fair, city and region
The city of Friedrichshafen also acknowledges the project as an important stimulus for the region. "This installation has been intentionally designed to be significantly larger than what the trade fair would require on its own. Two thirds of the green power generated is supplied by the trade fair to the city and the wider region, making a direct contribution to our climate goals," says Simon Blümcke, First Mayor of the City of Friedrichshafen.
Strong project partners from the region
The photovoltaic rooftop system was implemented together with experienced project partners from the region. The planning services were provided by the Kienle engineering office from Ostrach, while the Gramm company from the immediate vicinity of the trade fair in Friedrichshafen was responsible for the roof upgrading. Overall responsibility for the project execution lay with the Reimer Elektrotechnik company from Neu-Ulm.
Zeppelin Power Systems is also involved as an expert and partner for energy solutions. “We are delighted to be part of this milestone project as a technology partner. With our expertise in the digital integration of energy systems, we are making an important contribution to the efficient operation of the plant and a resilient power supply,” says Matthias Benz, Chairman of the Managing Board of the Zeppelin Group. Werner Engl, Director Sales at Zeppelin Power Systems, adds: “With the help of our digital solution, our customers can network their machines, plants, and engines, collect relevant data in real time, and keep an eye on everything at all times. It also offers decisive advantages for this forward-looking project: energy consumption can be tracked transparently, the condition of the battery storage can be monitored, and service intervals can be identified and planned at an early stage.”
With the new photovoltaic rooftop system, Messe Friedrichshafen is consistently advancing its sustainable development and positioning itself as an efficient, future-proof location – equally for events, business and energy supply.