Long-time Suntech partner Franz Sohm from Solar Energy Anstalt was present at the anniversary celebration. His sons Tobias and Fabian Sohm run Green Future GmbH, received the Austrian Solar Prize 2025 in the category “Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural Enterprises” for the project “Energy-Independent Farm with Photovoltaics and Battery Storage”, which uses Suntech photovoltaic modules.
The Austrian Solar Prize recognizes innovative projects that advance renewable energy applications, improve energy efficiency and support the transition toward sustainable, low-carbon operations.
The award-winning project at Mooshof farm is located in Schwarzenberg in Austria’s Bregenzerwald region. Developed by Greenfuture GmbH, the project represents the next generation of the Sohm family’s commitment to renewable energy innovation.
A partnership built over two decades
The story began in 2004, when Franz Sohm, founder of Solar Energy Anstalt and a pioneer in the European photovoltaic industry, chose Suntech as a trusted module partner. Over the past two decades, Solar Energy has become one of Suntech’s longest-standing customers in Europe and globally.
From 2006 to 2013, Solar Energy played an important role as a distributor, helping expand Suntech’s presence in the European market.
Today, the next generation continues this partnership through Greenfuture GmbH, which specializes in customized self-sufficiency solutions, off-grid systems and emergency power applications. By combining technical expertise with the family’s long experience in solar energy, Greenfuture delivers advanced renewable energy solutions for demanding applications.
The Mooshof: A farm where reliable power is essential
The Mooshof is a modern dairy farm with around 80 cows, its own cheese dairy and highly automated processes. Milking robots, feeding systems, milk cooling and cheese production all rely on a stable electricity supply.
To ensure uninterrupted operation, Greenfuture developed an integrated solar-plus-storage system. The project features a 300 kWp photovoltaic system using Suntech modules installed on the roof and façade, combined with a 750 kWh energy storage system.
The system supports islanding capability and black-start functionality. In the event of a blackout, the farm can disconnect from the grid and maintain critical operations during grid outages.
The solution includes two independent energy supply units located in the cheese dairy and cattle barn. Energy can be exchanged between the two systems according to demand, improving efficiency and reducing dependence on external power infrastructure.
With annual electricity consumption of around 180,000 kWh, the farm achieves approximately 85% energy self-sufficiency and significantly reduces electricity costs. Additional expansion of solar installations is also planned for other available areas.
Why Suntech
The Mooshof project demonstrates the importance of reliable photovoltaic technology in challenging environments. Located in the Bregenzerwald region at around 700 metres above sea level, the system must withstand changing weather conditions, temperature variations and continuous operation.
Tobias and Fabian Sohm selected Suntech modules because of their proven long-term performance. Franz Sohm has relied on Suntech products for more than 20 years through his wholesale business and has reported excellent long-term performance from Suntech modules, with no module replacement required over more than two decades of operation.
For Suntech, the Mooshof project represents more than a successful installation. It reflects decades of partnership, reliability and a shared commitment to advancing renewable energy.
Over the past 25 years, Suntech has continued to develop high-performance photovoltaic technology and integrated solar-plus-storage solutions, supporting customers worldwide in achieving their clean energy goals.
Some partnerships are measured not in years, but in decades. The Mooshof project is a powerful example of what can be achieved through long-term cooperation, innovation and trust.