German champions Borussia Dortmund join solar trend

Q-Cells, one of the world's largest manufacturers of solar energy products, are to install photo-voltaic panels to the roof of the Bundesliga champions' 80,720 capacity home Signal Iduna Park as part of a five-year deal worth a reported €9 million (US$12.96 million). This follows similar deals between rivals Bayern Munich and Chinese firm Yingli Solar, and the commitment of Chaori Solar - another Chinese company - to FC Schlake 04. A report in the industry journal energis.ba suggests that the upgrade will make Signal Iduna Park energy independent and capable of producing electricity for the surrounding area. 

 

Elsewhere in German soccer, BMW have extended their sponsorship of 2. Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt until the end of the 2012/13 season. Likely to be worth a six-figure sum, the deal entitles BMW to sector exclusivity as well as a strong presence on TV-visible advertising hoardings at the team's home Commerzbank Arena.