Swiss Timber Specialist Leimholz Haag AG Invests in Battery Storage to Enhance Solar Energy Utilisation

In a significant move towards sustainability and energy efficiency, Swiss timber specialist Leimholz Haag AG has announced its decision to invest in two commercial battery storage systems. This investment follows the successful implementation of a rooftop solar system that has already proven to be a game changer for the company, supplying approximately 54% of its electricity needs and achieving annual savings of around CHF 35,000.

Solar Energy and Cost Savings

Leimholz Haag AG, a family-owned business renowned for its expertise in timber and wood-based construction products, commissioned a 520.76 kWp SolarEdge rooftop solar system in June 2025. This system has not only reduced the company’s reliance on grid electricity but has also significantly lowered its carbon footprint by cutting approximately 235,000 kg of CO₂ emissions each year. The financial benefits of this solar installation are substantial, with the company saving CHF 35,000 annually on energy costs.

Enhancing Solar Self-Consumption with Battery Storage

The addition of two SolarEdge CSS-OD 197 commercial battery storage systems, set to be installed this autumn, is expected to further increase the company’s solar self-consumption rate to 72%. This enhancement will allow Leimholz Haag AG to store surplus solar energy generated during periods of low demand and utilise it during peak consumption times, thereby reducing energy costs even further. Peter Haag, Managing Director of Leimholz Haag AG, highlighted the importance of this investment, stating, “Battery storage is the logical next step because it will allow us to use more of the solar energy we produce, while also reducing the amount of power we need to draw from the grid during periods of high demand.”

Optimising Energy Management

The SolarEdge battery systems will be integrated with SolarEdge ONE for C&I, an energy optimisation system that monitors solar production, site consumption, and battery performance. This integration is designed to maximise solar self-consumption and optimise peak shaving, which is crucial for lowering demand peaks that can lead to higher electricity costs. The ability to manage energy use effectively is particularly important for Leimholz Haag AG, where energy-intensive machinery operates simultaneously, creating spikes in demand.

Design Challenges and Solutions

Implementing a high-performing solar system across the site posed several design challenges. The installation spans multiple buildings with varying roof heights and orientations, including east- and west-facing surfaces. Additionally, a 25-metre storage tower casts moving shadows across lower roofs throughout the day, which could potentially impact energy yields. To address these challenges, CE Concept Energy AG, the installer, utilised SolarEdge’s DC-optimised inverter technology. This technology includes Power Optimizers that allow each solar panel to operate independently, ensuring that shading or other issues affecting one panel do not diminish the performance of the entire string of panels. This approach was essential for maximising energy production from the available roof space.

Safety Considerations

Given the nature of Leimholz Haag AG’s operations, where large quantities of timber are stored and processed, fire prevention is a top priority. The company has implemented advanced safety features within its PV system to mitigate fire risks. These features include arc-fault protection, which detects and interrupts potential arc faults, and SafeDC™, a capability that reduces the PV system’s high DC voltage to touch-safe levels when the inverter or grid is shut down. These safety measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel and emergency responders, especially in light of a significant fire incident at a previous facility approximately 14 years ago.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Martin Mäder, Co-owner of CE Concept Energy AG, remarked on the growing demand for commercial storage systems, noting that more businesses are seeking to reduce their reliance on the grid and maximise the value of solar energy amidst rising energy costs. He stated, “Leimholz Haag AG’s investment exemplifies the growing demand we are seeing for commercial storage systems, as more and more businesses seek to reduce reliance on the grid and maximise the value of the solar at a time when energy costs are so high.” This trend reflects a broader shift in the industry towards integrated energy solutions that combine photovoltaic systems, storage, and energy management, enabling businesses to adapt to evolving energy needs effectively.

As Leimholz Haag AG moves forward with its investment in battery storage, it sets a precedent for other companies in the timber and construction sectors to follow suit. By embracing renewable energy solutions and optimising energy management, businesses can not only achieve significant cost savings but also contribute to a more sustainable future.