- A newly constructed clinic building in the Swiss canton of Basel-Land has been equipped with approximately 300 Sunmaxx PX-1 PVT modules. The operator relies on a fully renewable energy concept.
- The combination of solar electricity, solar thermal energy, and seasonal geothermal storage creates a stable, long-lasting energy infrastructure with permanently low operating costs.
- The project demonstrates how Sunmaxx PVT technology enables hospitals to achieve complete independence from volatile oil and gas markets. In the future, the hospital expects significant savings in its energy costs.
Dresden/Salzburg, May 7, 2027: A newly constructed clinic building in Switzerland features a pioneering energy concept designed from the outset around renewable energy sources. The innovative building was realized as a solid timber construction in collaboration with Thoma Holz GmbH and equipped with photovoltaic-thermal hybrid modules (PVT) from Saxony-based manufacturer Sunmaxx. The modules generate both heat and electricity at the same time: while the thermal energy serves as the source for a brine-water heat pump, the solar electricity powers the building’s electrical systems. The system is complemented by a geothermal borehole field, which functions as both a seasonal thermal storage system and a backup heat source during winter.
From the very beginning of the planning phase, great importance was placed on an energy solution that conserves resources, operates quietly, and provides long-term economic security. After an intensive evaluation of various approaches, a PVT system from Sunmaxx was selected. During sunny conditions, the modules generate electricity and heat on the same surface. At night and during darker seasons, the integrated rear-side heat exchanger additionally harvests thermal energy from the ambient air, similar to the principle of an air-source heat pump, but with significantly higher overall system efficiency. This way, Sunmaxx combines two renewable energy sources within a single module. This dual yield makes the concept particularly attractive.
Another key element of the project is the consistent use of solid timber as the primary construction material. Building with untreated natural wood not only creates a healthy indoor climate and a high level of comfort for patients and staff, but also offers an outstanding environmental footprint. Wood stores CO₂ over the long term, is a renewable raw material, and enables resource-efficient construction with low embodied energy. At the same time, solid timber construction provides excellent structural stability, durability, and outstanding building physics properties, particularly in terms of thermal insulation and moisture regulation. Combined with a renewable energy system, this creates a holistic sustainable building concept that decarbonizes both construction and operation alike.
In total, nearly 300 Sunmaxx modules have been installed. The solar electricity generated is expected to offset the full operating hours of the building services systems on an annual basis. On the thermal side, the modules supply source heat for a brine-water heat pump, enabling emission-free heating and cooling. Another major advantage of PVT technology is the ability to store surplus heat generated during summer in the ground and retrieve it as needed during winter. Josef Krallinger, Managing Director of the engineering consultancy IB-Krallinger GmbH responsible for the project, explains: “The integration of PVT into the energy concept of the new clinic enables maximum roof-space efficiency while simultaneously regenerating the geothermal borehole field. This prevents gradual cooling of the ground and creates a stable, long-lasting infrastructure that can operate efficiently for decades without loss of performance.”
The result is a fully sustainable, integrated energy concept that ensures permanently low operating costs for the clinic – an increasingly important factor in the healthcare sector. With this investment, the operator is consistently focusing on low CO₂ emissions while simultaneously strengthening the long-term viability of the clinic’s operations. Dr. Wilhelm Stein, Managing Director of Sunmaxx, comments on the project:
“Our modules achieve a record overall efficiency of more than 80 percent. As the leading manufacturer of industrially produced PVT modules, we are able to offer this technology under economically attractive conditions. With Sunmaxx, PVT is finally becoming scalable for mass adoption – whether for private homes, industrial applications, or demanding environments such as hospitals and care facilities.”
Thoma Holz also emphasized the project’s holistic approach. Elisabeth Thoma, Managing Director, adds: “Wood as a building material – when used in its highest-quality form, mechanically connected and entirely free from construction chemicals – stands for sustainability, health, and future viability. Combined with renewable energy systems, it creates a building concept that is aesthetically compelling while offering long-term ecological and economic benefits. For the client, this means not only a healthy living environment, but also complete independence from fossil fuels such as oil and gas. It is precisely this combination that is driving the transformation of the construction industry.”
With this innovative new building, the clinic is embracing renewable building materials and future-proof energy supply systems, achieving independence from oil and gas from day one. As a result, the new facility has become a flagship project for modern hospital energy infrastructure in Switzerland and beyond.
About Sunmaxx
Sunmaxx PVT GmbH is a leading developer and manufacturer of photovoltaic-thermal hybrid modules (PVT). Sunmaxx was the world’s first company to specialize in the industrial-scale serial production of PVT modules. The technology generates electricity and heat at the same time and is compatible with all common brine-water heat pumps. Sunmaxx’s mission is to drive the heating transition forward and enable an affordable switch to renewable energy across all sectors – from private homes to industrial process heat applications.
About Thoma Holz
Thoma Holz GmbH is one of the leading pioneers in modern solid timber construction, consistently focusing on natural materials, durability, and circular economy principles. Thousands of buildings made entirely from solid untreated wood have already been realized worldwide. The result is buildings with exceptional living quality, high energy efficiency, and an outstanding environmental footprint. At the same time, the high degree of prefabrication enables short construction times as well as precise and cost-efficient implementation of demanding building projects.
About IB-Krallinger
IB-Krallinger GmbH, headquartered in Salzburg and Upper Austria, specializes in the planning of heating, ventilation, sanitary, and electrical systems both nationally and internationally. The company is among the leading engineering partners for building technology in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Thanks to many years of experience and strong international networks, IB-Krallinger is able to deliver even large-scale projects with complex requirements professionally and on schedule.