With climate action now a global political football, the sustainability of government buildings overseas becomes increasingly significant — which is why it matters that the Swiss Embassy in China has gone solar.
In an Embassy first, smart energy pioneer GoodWe has provided a tailored building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) solution, featuring 143 Galaxy Ultra 335W solar panels, plus its own dedicated SDT series inverter.
With a capacity of 47.9kWp, the system is projected to generate 58,856kWh in its first year, supplying power to parts of the Embassy complex, including the Ambassador’s residence and adjacent main office building.
Tackling future energy usage is vital, says Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri, speaking in interview:
“Switzerland gives very high priority to energy-saving and sustainable buildings. This year, we’ve taken many measures to make this embassy green. We have high energy consumption at the Embassy. With conventional measures, we could only cut that by 20%, maybe less. Adding photovoltaics helps us make a real, substantial difference.”
Integrated with aesthetic integrity
Situated in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, the nearly 50-year-old Embassy building demanded more than just technical compatibility — there was the important matter of design aesthetics to consider, too.
The latest tech needed to be integrated in an architecturally sympathetic manner, adds Ambassador Burri:
“While we’re making this embassy green, we must respect it as a historic building. We were looking at the product which is not changing the optics or the aesthetics of the embassy too much.”
The GoodWe Galaxy Series was chosen for its ability to offer high performance while seamlessly integrating with the architectural integrity and visual harmony of the historic site.
On the Embassy project in particular, the Galaxy Series supplied was customised to integrate with the existing Sika waterproof membrane in the rooftop, preserving its structure and function.
The series of panels brings together efficiency, safety, and penetration-free installation. Weighing just 5.6kg/sq m, it significantly reduces structural load. Its frameless, waterproof membrane-integrated design also allows for a clean, unified integration with the existing architecture.
Completing the installation, GoodWe’s SDT series commercial string inverter was also a natural fit. It offered not just reliable energy conversion but also helped preserve the calm Embassy atmosphere. The 40kW model used in this project emits less than 45 decibels during operation, ensuring minimal acoustic impact.
As the first commercial inverter globally to receive low-noise certification from TÜV, the SDT series has become a trusted solution for noise-sensitive sites such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
Data logging and remote monitoring
To meet Embassy’s requirements for remote monitoring from its HQ in Switzerland, the project integrated a Swiss-made data logger, with engineers from both sides collaborating to ensure protocol compatibility.
Strong teamwork was important throughout, says project engineer at GoodWe, Glorie Xie:
“We started coordinating with the Embassy back in April 2024, working through technical details and project alignment early on. During implementation, the communication was prompt, clear, and solution focused. The Embassy team was highly cooperative, and together we kept everything on track.”
It is all about helping customers transition to clean energy, concludes Daniel Huang, CEO of GoodWe.
“We are proud to support the Swiss Embassy in its leadership as an early adopter of renewable energy. This project delivers integrated solutions that meet specific energy needs while making installation and maintenance simple.”
Looking ahead, the Swiss Embassy is now exploring possibilities of expanding the solar installation to additional rooftop areas, further reinforcing its long-term sustainable goals.
ESG goals for Tier 1 Manufacturer
Established in 2010, GoodWe is a world-leading inverter manufacturer and smart energy solution provider. As of 2025, GoodWe has achieved an accumulative installation of over 100GW in more than 100 countries.
With around 6,000 employees worldwide, the company offers an extensive range of products and solutions tailored for residential, commercial and industrial markets, as well as utility-scale sectors.
The manufacturer practices environmental and social responsibility throughout the lifetime of its products, reporting on ESG goals through annual Sustainability Reports and independent certifications. GoodWe has been named a Global Tier 1 Power Inverter Manufacturer by Bloomberg NEF for both Q2 and Q3 2025.
Further Reading:
- More about GoodWe; its Galaxy Series ; and SDT commercial string inverter;
- Also on SustMeme, Solar-thermal innovation for iconic London hotel;
- Also on SustMeme, Adding colour to design aesthetics of in-roof solar;
- Also on SustMeme, Machine learning helps map solar and green roofs;
- Also on SustMeme, Ecolabel first for solar industry manufacturing;
- Also on SustMeme, Former steel mill installs largest single-slope solar array in US.
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