Following the success of the public subscription launched in June 2011, the Yverdon-les-Bains participatory solar power plant project was able to take shape. The photovoltaic power plant was installed this spring on the roof of the company Aurubis Switzerland SA, located in the Yverdon-les-Bains Technology and Science Park (Y-Parc). Electricity production started on 31 May. The success of this innovative initiative in the region reinforces the Municipality in its responsible energy policy.
Open from June 2011 to all companies and individuals residing in Yverdon-les-Bains and the municipalities of the conurbation, as well as to employees of the municipality, the public subscription was an undeniable success, since almost all the shares put up for sale, at a price of CHF 500 each, were acquired. This enthusiasm is indisputable proof that this type of participatory project meets a need among the population and corresponds to a growing desire to use renewable energies in everyday life.
Thanks to these subscriptions, the power plant was built on the roof of Aurubis Switzerland AG using photovoltaic panels from Schott Suisse AG, two Y-Park companies participating in the project. Its average annual production is estimated at 90,000 kWh, equivalent to the consumption of around 25 households, and it has a power output of 86.4 kW. The energy thus produced is purchased by the City's Energy Department at cost price. Subscribers will receive each year the amount from the sale of the energy they have contributed to produce, in proportion to the number of shares they have acquired. Projections suggest a return on investment of 2.7% per year over 20 years. At the end of this 20-year period, the solar power plant will remain the property of the City of Yverdon-les-Bains.
This participatory concept is part of the Municipality's responsible energy policy. Labelled "Cité de l'Energie", Yverdon-les-Bains is keen to promote the production of renewable energy on the territory of the municipality and to reduce the need for electricity by using innovative and economical systems. In the near future, new projects, such as the Energie Naturelle Mollendruz project or the installation of dynamic lighting in the town, will complement the existing offer.