K. Schwarzer, C. Faber, T. Hartz, F. Spate Solar-I nstitut Julich / Fachhochschule Aachen Heinrich-MuBmann-Str. 5, D-52428 Julich Tel.: 0246/ 99 35-52, Fax: 02461 / 99 35-70 hartz@sij. fh-aachen. de, www. sij. fh-aachen. de

C. Petersdorff, J. Backes

ECOFYS GmbH, Eupener StraBe 59, D-50933 Koln Tel.: 02217/ 510 907-0, Fax.: 0221 / 510 907-49

c. petersdorff@ecofys. de, www. ecofys. de

1 Background Information

The State of North Rhine Westfalia has, in its project entitled "50 Solar Settlements in NRW” brought together leading innovations made in solar technology, so that the benefits of this research is made available to all. Within the framework of the AG Solar department at the Ministry for Science and Research in North Rhine Westfalia, the evaluation and scientific support for the first "solar settlement” ‘Gelsenkirchen Bismarck’ was established. The knowledge and expertise gained through this project will influence current and future solar settlement projects.