The Embassy of Switzerland in China has taken a significant step toward reducing its environmental footprint with the installation of its first photovoltaic (PV) system, designed and supplied by GoodWe. The initiative positions the embassy as an early adopter of renewable energy solutions among diplomatic missions in Beijing.
Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri said the decision reflects Switzerland’s long-standing commitment to sustainable building practices.
“Switzerland gives very high priority to energy-saving and sustainable buildings. This year, we’ve taken many measures to make this embassy green,” Ambassador Burri noted. “With conventional measures, we could only cut energy use by 20% or less. Adding photovoltaics helps us make a real, substantial difference.”
A 47.9 kWp BIPV System for Embassy Self-Consumption
The new system—located at the embassy’s nearly 50-year-old compound in Chaoyang District—features 143 Galaxy Ultra 335W BIPV modules and a GoodWe SDT series inverter, delivering 47.9 kWp of capacity. It is expected to generate approximately 58,856 kWh in its first year, supplying clean power to the ambassador’s residence and sections of the main office building.
Ambassador Burri emphasized that the installation needed to respect the historic architecture.
“We must respect it as a historic building,” he said. “We were looking at a product that doesn’t change the optics or the aesthetics too much.”
GoodWe’s Galaxy Series, chosen for its ability to blend with the existing Sika waterproof membrane, offers a frameless, lightweight, penetration-free design intended to preserve the structure’s visual integrity and load-bearing capacity.
Low-Noise Inverter Suited for Diplomatic Spaces
The embassy also adopted GoodWe’s 40kW SDT series commercial inverter, which operates below 45 decibels. As the first commercial inverter certified by TÜV for low-noise performance, it has become a preferred choice for noise-sensitive environments such as hospitals, schools, and government buildings.
Efficient Installation and International Coordination
Ambassador Burri described the installation process as “smooth” and “very fast,” noting that embassy operations continued without disruption.
According to GoodWe project engineer Glorie Xie, early coordination beginning in April 2024 helped streamline both technical alignment and implementation.
The project also included customized integration of a Swiss-made data logger to meet the embassy’s requirement for remote monitoring from Switzerland, with technical teams from both countries collaborating to ensure compatibility.
A Shared Commitment to Climate Goals
GoodWe CEO Daniel Huang said the project exemplifies the company’s focus on practical, integrated energy solutions.
“We are proud to support the Swiss Embassy in its leadership as an early adopter of renewable energy,” Huang said. “For 15 years, we’ve focused on creating real value for customers and helping them move forward in the clean energy transition.”
Ambassador Burri highlighted the bilateral cooperation behind the project.
“China leads in manufacturing capability, and Switzerland is at the forefront of innovation. This partnership shows how our strengths can come together to support global climate goals.”
The embassy is now exploring the possibility of expanding the PV installation to additional rooftop areas as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
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