Hanover Adventure Zoo Continues to Expand Solar Energy Generation
Germany’s Hanover Adventure Zoo is expanding its solar power system in the parking lot.
© Photo: Courtesy of Hanover Adventure Zoo
(eap) The Hanover Adventure Zoo in Germany is continuing to expand its own solar power generation: Three carports with solar roofs are currently being built in the zoo’s parking lot, which together are expected to generate approximately 55,800 kWh of electricity per year. Another photovoltaic system is planned for the roof of the entrance building above the zoo shop. Its expected annual output is about 49,400 kWh. At the same time, the number of charging stations in the parking lot will double from six to twelve. The charging stations will be inaccessible during construction. Work on the carports is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The Hannover Region, as a shareholder of the zoo, is providing funding for the current measures.
The zoo has operated a PV system on its communal building since 2016, generating 49,000 kWh of electricity annually. In 2023, a further PV system was added to the grandstand roof in the Canadian-themed “Yukon Bay” area. It produces around 34,000 kWh per year. At the end of 2024, the zoo commissioned a PV system on its multi-storey car park, with an annual electricity yield of around 548,000 kWh. In 2025, it expanded this system with 77 modules on the car park façade, with a total capacity of 30.8 kWp.
“The Hanover Adventure Zoo is once again demonstrating how climate protection and sound business practices can successfully work together,” says Jens Palandt, First Regional Councillor and Head of the Department for Environment, Climate, Planning and Construction. “By consistently expanding its photovoltaic systems, the zoo is strengthening its energy independence, reducing operating costs over the long term and making an important contribution to the expansion of renewable energy in the Hanover region.”
“Harnessing solar energy is an important part of our energy management: With the new PV systems, we are further reducing our energy costs,” explains the zoo’s Managing Director, Andreas M. Casdorff.
In the long term, the zoo aims to achieve a balanced electricity budget. Further PV installations are set to follow in the area around the new elephant hall, where work on the building’s superstructure has just begun. The renovation of the “Jungle Palace” is scheduled to be completed in early 2028. ■
