Schaeffler Advances Renewable Electricity Goals with First Fully Owned Rooftop Solar Energy System at Danbury Facility

2025-09-25 | Danbury, C.T.

• First 100% company-owned rooftop solar energy system in the Americas region
• The 1,154 MWp system will generate approximately 13% of plant’s annual electricity consumption
• A key milestone in Schaeffler’s global sustainability strategy and decarbonization pathway

Schaeffler, the Motion Technology Company, announces the successful implementation of its first fully owned rooftop solar energy system in the Americas region at its Danbury, Conn., plant – marking a major step forward in renewable electricity generation. The 1,154 Megawatt-peak (MWp) solar system, installed in partnership with Solect Energy, is now fully operational – generating clean, renewable electricity and expected to supply approximately 13% of the plant’s annual electricity needs.

Schaeffler's Danbury facility specializes in the production of high-precision roller bearings, ball bearings and related components that are critical for various aerospace applications. This milestone project will supply a portion of the facility’s total annual electricity needs, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and supporting Schaeffler’s global sustainability strategy.

“This is a major step forward in our journey toward energy efficiency and on our decarbonization pathway,” said Wendell Fenner, plant manager, Danbury. “We are proud that Danbury is leading the way for the Americas region, setting an example of how clean energy can be integrated into our operations to benefit both the environment and our business.”

Installed directly on the facility’s rooftop, the solar system began producing electricity in June and is expected to make a lasting impact by lowering the plant’s carbon footprint and reducing operational costs.

Schaeffler collaborated with Solect Energy, based in Hopkinton, Mass., on this project leveraging their expertise and partnership to help bring it to life. “It was a pleasure working with the Schaeffler USA team to support their first solar project in the Americas. Solect is proud to have delivered a full suite of services to help bring the project to life. From system design, detailed economic analysis, and engineering through installation, interconnection, and technical commissioning, our team managed every step of the process. We continue to support the project through operations and maintenance. Solect is proud of our track record of helping companies like Schaeffler advance portfolio-wide sustainability initiatives,” said Andreas Schmid, vice president, business development, Solect Energy.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Schaeffler is committed to significantly reducing its carbon footprint through increased use of renewable energy. This commitment is supported by a combination of energy-efficient practices, expanded use of clean energy sources and ongoing optimization of supply chain processes. Schaeffler also supports its energy transition goals by utilizing renewable electricity across all locations in the Americas.