1. Solar energy in Hannover A focal highlight in the skyline right from the main station: a photovoltaic installation on a Socio-cultural centre In the Hannover Region (1.1 Mio. inhabitants) 32.000 m² Solar heating (3.400 Units) 13.000 kWp Solar current (1.500 Units; approx. 120,000m²) This covers the electricity requirement of approx. 3.500 households

2. In Germany (and Hannover) a very favourable financial promotion Photovoltaic plants in Germany are granted a statutory guaranteed feed-in tarif for 20 years depending on the size: Less than 30kWp: 0.43 € (in 2009); 0.36 € (in 2011) More than 100kWp: 0.39 € (in 2009); 0.32 € (in 2011) Solar hot-water plants, and especially educational school projects are granted an allowance from the regional climate fund

3. 1999 a large-scale Solar heating Project as Backup heating: Solar city in Kronsberg development area 1.350 m² roofmounted collectors 90 council housing units Pilot project costs 3.3Mio. €; 65% of which is public subsidy

4. ‘Solarcity’ All in all a 40 % coverage of hot water and heating demand using solar energy

5. ‘ Solarcity’ 2.750 m³ thermal storage tank landscaped as children's playground

6. Microclimate house project at Kronsberg (1999) 4 microclimate zones with mediterranean vegetation between house sections with a total of 120 flats

7. The roof: a special type of three-layer film: In Summer the elements in the middle film close and allow only few sun-rays through; In Winter the middle film is pressed onto the lower one allowing the sun-rays to warm the microclimate zone. The Energy concept: Low-energy house construction using mechanical ventilation and aeration unit with heat recovery Microclimate zones

8. 25 Solar-School Projects (16 PV, 7 heating) incorporated into educational curriculum

9. An extremely successful programme: roof areas on municipal buildings rented out for private investors Currently 16 units with 572 kWp ( 5,100 m² area) Approx. 15 new units still this year More in offer next year