Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund has announced a partnership with JA Solar, a leading manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, to install what will become the largest stadium rooftop solar system in the world. The project will see more than 11,000 solar panels installed on the roof of the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, with construction scheduled to begin in summer 2025.
This strategic collaboration aligns with Borussia Dortmund’s broader sustainability objectives and JA Solar’s commitment to long-term renewable energy deployment. Once operational, the system is expected to generate over 4 MWh of clean energy per year, significantly reducing the stadium’s carbon footprint.
Project Scope: Sustainability Meets Infrastructure
The PV system will be used to power Borussia Dortmund’s operations directly, with the annual production equivalent to the energy needs of 1,000 fully solar-powered football matches. By generating electricity on-site, the club expects to reduce its annual CO₂ emissions by around 1,800 tonnes and improve energy security and resilience.
The project underscores the increasing importance of sustainable infrastructure investment in professional sports, particularly as European football clubs seek to align with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards and decarbonization targets.
A Long-Term Sustainability Commitment Borussia Dortmund JA Solar
The solar plant is designed to be operational for at least 30 years, highlighting the long-term planning behind Dortmund’s energy strategy. The initiative is being positioned not only as a cost-saving measure, but also as a visible commitment to climate responsibility, especially with Germany’s increasing focus on renewable energy in public and commercial buildings.
Carsten Cramer, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“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’s Entry into European Sports Infrastructure
For JA Solar, the partnership represents a key move into sports and large-scale infrastructure integration in Europe. The company, headquartered in China, has previously focused on utility-scale and commercial rooftop installations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This project elevates its profile in the intersection of clean energy and elite sports infrastructure.
Henning Schulze, Vice President at JA Solar, 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.”
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