Powering up Comet: the headquarter steps into solar energy.
June 19, 2025
The employee initiative “100 ideas to tackle climate change” was launched at Comet in 2022. Now, another one of those ideas has become reality: the installation of a solar power system. With this step, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint, but also turning employee-driven ideas into lasting impact. It’s a concrete move toward a more sustainable future – and a reminder that progress often starts with a single idea.
Harnessing solar power for a sustainable future.
We are pleased to announce that our Flamatt headquarter is now producing green energy, thanks to the successful connection of our photovoltaic (PV) system to the electricity grid. This milestone brings us one step closer to reducing our carbon footprint.
529
number of installed panels
435
watts per panel
1’033
m2 panel area
175‘000
kWh / year, predicted energy yield
“Seeing the panels go up and knowing the positive impact they will have on our energy consumption and the environment has been a rewarding experience.”
Martin Ringgenberg
Group Leader Facility Management
Maximizing solar energy production.
To ensure the profitability of our solar energy operation, we focused on two crucial factors: sunlight exposure and self-consumption. By analyzing a solar cadaster, we identified the optimal rooftop surface for our PV system installation. The more sunlight we collect, the more energy we produce. Equally important is maximizing our self-consumption. The higher our self-consumption rate, the less energy we need to sell at lower prices to the distribution grid operator. We are proud to achieve a 95% self-consumption rate with our current setup.
Our PV system uses state-of-the-art technology to maximize efficiency. The system's inverters convert solar energy into usable electricity, significantly reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The building process.
The installation process began in the summer of 2024. We removed the existing roof covering and installed solar panels, positioning half to face west and the other half east. This orientation ensures maximum efficiency through optimal solar exposure. The panels were then connected to inverters and finally to the PVA sub-distribution board, which feeds the generated energy into the building's electrical grid.
Navigating energy in a world of limited resources.
We firmly believe that our technologies can contribute to a better, fairer and more sustainable world. To this end, we will continue to focus on developing solutions that add value for our customers while protecting the environment and honoring the needs of society. We are proud that sustainability is well on track to become an integral part of our corporate culture.
Latest Posts
One year of European Chips Diversity Alliance: Interview with Isabella Drolz
July 09, 2025
What happens when academia and industry come together to tackle one of the biggest talent challenges in Europe? In the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), partners from across the EU are working to open up the semiconductor industry to new, diverse talent. One year in, Comet’s Isabella Drolz reflects on what’s been achieved so far, where we’re heading next – and what it takes to bring learning and talent development to life.
Read moreInternational Women in Engineering Day
June 23, 2025
At Comet, curiosity fuels innovation – and that curiosity thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. On this International Women in Engineering Day, we’re spotlighting three engineers who are not only helping us build smarter, more resilient technology, but also inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers. Their journeys, shaped by curiosity, determination, and a love for the unknown, remind us of what’s possible when everyone has a seat at the engineering table.
Read more6 hours and countless lessons – our H2GP experience
May 14, 2025
This past weekend, it was finally time: we, the apprentices at Comet, lined up at the starting line of the 6h de Fribourg – a national race held as part of the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP). After weeks of designing, testing, and teamwork, the big moment had arrived. And while the race turned out very differently than we’d hoped, it became an experience we won’t forget anytime soon.
Read more