Serfontana Shopping Center Cuts Grid Reliance with 100 % Solar Self-Consumption
October 22th, 2025
The Serfontana Shopping Center in Morbio Inferiore, Switzerland, has been a retail landmark for over five decades. Now, it is also setting an example in sustainable energy. With the commissioning of a 93,1 kWp rooftop PV system using AIKO’s high-efficiency Neostar 2P 470 W modules, the center is cutting electricity costs, lowering emissions, and securing its energy future, all without expanding its rooftop footprint. It’s worth noting that this AIKO-equipped installation is one of three PV systems at the center, with another existing rooftop array and a third system planned for the parking lot canopy.
Retail-Ready Performance and Peace of Mind
Developed by Ecosinergie Tienergy SA and supplied by Krannich, the project had to meet both the technical and visual requirements of a high-profile retail site. Energy density, appearance, and long-term reliability were all critical.
“The choice of the AIKO product was due to the fact that it provided the highest power per square meter on the market at the time of the offer, so that the same surface area yielded greater power and, consequently, higher production. Another contributing factor was that these modules come with 25-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranties. This is very reassuring for both us as installers and the end customer,” says Gionata Mongodi, Project Manager of Ecosinergie Tienergy SA.
The original specification called for a less powerful module, but the team switched to AIKO’s N-Type ABC technology for its higher wattage and superior efficiency – a decision that enabled more energy production without adding more panels.
Stronger Returns from the Same Roof
Compared to a conventional TOPCon-based system, AIKO’s N-Type ABC modules achieved:
- +4,4 % installed capacity in the same area (93,1 kWp vs 89,1 kWp)
- +9,2 % first-year energy yield (+118,37 MWh)
- +9,9 % lifetime energy generation over 30 years (approx. +327 MWh, worth ~€180.000)
- 6,7 % shorter payback period (25 months vs 27 months)
With self-consumption at 100 %, every kilowatt-hour produced directly offsets electricity purchases at €0,35/kWh, avoiding reliance on lower export tariffs (€0,10/kWh). This boosts the project’s financial performance, resulting in an estimated €1.146.593 in lifetime clean energy value, an ROI of nearly 900 %, and an IRR exceeding 47 %. Lower balance-of-system costs (–8 % vs. TOPCon) further enhance profitability.
Built for Daytime Demand
Like many commercial centers, Serfontana’s peak electricity use occurs during the day – precisely when solar production is at its highest. With rooftop space limited and the site’s layout creating shading, maximizing output per square meter was essential. The chosen N-Type ABC modules combine high efficiency with stable performance during summer heat, reduced losses from partial shading, and strong resistance to micro-cracks. Their low annual degradation helps ensure consistent generation over decades, securing predictable financial returns and reliable clean power for the shopping center’s operations.
From Rooftop to Zero-Carbon Ambition
For Serfontana, solar is not just about green credentials – it is a strategic investment in cost control and operational resilience. By generating 100 % of its electricity on-site and avoiding peak grid tariffs, the center shields itself from future price volatility while enhancing its sustainability profile. As more European retail properties look to unlock the value of their rooftops, Serfontana’s example shows how AIKO’s technology can drive both environmental and economic returns – contributing to a smarter, cleaner, zero-carbon future.
