Croatian Energy Scouts cover a quarter of the electricity needs of a swimming pool with a photovoltaic system, Čakovec, Croatia

Due to their high heat and energy requirements, swimming pools are one of the largest energy consumers among public facilities. Uncovering the unused energy efficiency potential there would save the tight municipal coffers and benefit the whole community.

Thanks to the short amortization period and the “convincing” Croatian sun, the financial requirements were quickly met. The large rooftop photovoltaic system went into operation as early as December 2023. A total of 653 PV modules with a maximum peak output of 375 W each were installed, which corresponds to a total installed direct current output of 244,875 kW_peak or an alternating current output of 220 kW.

The electricity is mainly used to cover the company’s own requirements, is fed into the grid in full and is billed at the end of the month. The PV system utilizes almost the entire suitable roof area, leaving only roof areas facing north or shaded in winter free. The PV modules were mounted on the supporting surface of the roof panels. If only the electricity demand were taken into account, the system could be even larger. However, the direct power consumption at any time of day (and position of the sun) results in financial advantages because a battery is not required for storage.  This results in a very short amortization period of just over three years, while the entire system is designed for a term of 25 years.

The annual analysis shows: in 2024 (excluding December), a total of 1,263 MWh of electricity was consumed, 272 MWh were generated by the PV-system , thus covering around 22 % of the electricity demand.

Source: Young Energy Europe