11.02.2025
Hesse’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mansoori visits AKG: Innovation for the Energy Transition
On February 7, 2025, Hesse’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Kaweh Mansoori, visited the state-of-the-art production facility for SOLINK PVT collectors in Hofgeismar. This innovative combination of photovoltaics and solar thermal energy enables highly efficient heat pump systems—offering a sustainable solution for the energy supply of the future. Read more in our press release.
Hesse’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Kaweh Mansoori, visited AKG Group and Consolar in Hofgeismar to learn about the vast potential of SOLINK PVT heat pump collectors for the energy transition.
Hofgeismar, February 7, 2025 – During his visit to Hofgeismar last Friday, Hesse’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Kaweh Mansoori (SPD), toured the advanced production facilities for SOLINK PVT heat pump collectors, a joint innovation by AKG Group and Consolar. His visit highlights the key role of Hesse’s technological innovations in the renewable energy sector.
The Hofgeismar facility marks a milestone in the industrial production of climate-friendly technologies in Hesse. The production line, inaugurated in December 2024, has an initial capacity of 65,000 collectors per year. With the development and manufacturing of the patented SOLINK technology, Consolar and AKG are delivering a forward-looking solution for sustainable energy generation.
"By choosing Hofgeismar as a production site, we demonstrate how innovative, sustainable technologies can be successfully combined with efficient manufacturing. This strengthens the region as a hub for the energy transition. We are delighted that Minister Mansoori took the time to visit us and learn more about our technology firsthand," said Kariem Jaber, Vice President of Sales & Project Development at AKG.
Power and Heat from the Roof – Made in Germany
The SOLINK technology integrates photovoltaics with solar thermal energy while also harnessing ambient air to power heat pumps. The collectors generate electricity on the top side while capturing thermal energy from the surrounding air on the underside—operating even at night and on cloudy days.
Thanks to the patented heat exchanger design and its large surface area, the latest generation of collectors can serve as the sole heat source for a heat pump system—eliminating the need for deep drilling, ground loops, or other excavation-based installations. One standout feature is the completely silent operation, making these collectors ideal for urban and densely populated areas.
"By combining our SOLINK PVT heat pump collectors with various heat pump systems, we create highly efficient heating solutions that significantly contribute to urban decarbonization while providing a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels," emphasized Andreas Siegemund, Managing Director of Consolar. "A key advantage is the high energy yield enabled by our unique collector design, along with the ability to generate both electricity and heat for an extremely energy-efficient heat pump system."
Real Climate Protection – Made in Hesse
Minister Mansoori’s visit to Hofgeismar underscores the importance of such projects for Hesse’s climate goals and the competitiveness of its renewable energy industry.
"Innovative products for tomorrow’s energy supply are being developed here in Hofgeismar. PVT technology enables carbon-free electricity and heat generation for buildings—even in highly dense urban areas. At the same time, this facility creates high-quality industrial jobs in northern Hesse and serves as a prime example of the strength of Hesse’s economy," Minister Mansoori stated during his visit.
Proven Thousands of Times, Award-Winning Technology
SOLINK collectors are designed for durability, high thermal efficiency, and minimal space requirements. Their silent operation and 20–50% lower annual electricity costs compared to air-source heat pumps make them especially attractive for new builds and renovations in urban settings.
More than 30,000 SOLINK collectors are already installed across 5,000+ systems in Europe, ranging from single-family homes to multi-family residences, commercial buildings, and office complexes—both in new construction and retrofit projects. Consolar received the Baden-Württemberg Environmental Technology Award for SOLINK in 2017 and was a finalist for the 2022 Hessian State Award for Innovative Energy Solutions.
Watch the TV report: Sat.1 covered the visit of Minister of Economic Affairs Kaweh Mansoori to AKG and Consolar. The report is in German and can be watched here: Neue Technik: Firma aus Nordhessen stellt kombinierte Wärmepumpen-Solaranlage her