FC St. Pauli is set to become the world’s first football club to install a rainbow-colored photovoltaic system. It's an ecological step forward—and a powerful symbol of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and a broader commitment to social responsibility.

Global first

On the roof of Millerntor-Stadion’s north stand, a groundbreaking 316 kW solar system is being installed. Comprising 1,080 solar modules over 1,800 square meters, the system will generate around 285,000 kWh of clean electricity annually—enough to power 80 households. What makes it truly unique is its rainbow design—the first of its kind worldwide.

The system will be installed by Hamburg-based green energy provider LichtBlick, which has partnered with FC St. Pauli since 2013. Installation is scheduled for the summer break and will be ready for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season.

How rainbow energy works?

The colorful design is made possible by Morphocolor technology from Swiss company Megasol Energie. A special coating inside the panels manipulates light refraction to produce vivid rainbow hues, with minimal loss of efficiency. Most of the light still reaches the solar cells, with only a small portion reflected to achieve the striking look.

© FC St. Pauli

This innovation proves that advanced technology and strong social messaging can go hand in hand. For us, diversity, climate protection, and social responsibility are inseparably linked, said LichtBlick CEO Marc Wallraff.

The system will cover nearly 90% of the stadium’s energy needs during match days and club events. Any surplus will be fed into the grid, while shortfalls will still be supplied by LichtBlick. The entire investment is covered by the energy partner, with the club incurring no costs. FC St. Pauli is using an onsite PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), meaning it purchases energy directly from its own renewable source without owning the installation.

Bold statement for equality

The project was announced deliberately on Germany’s Diversity Day. FC St. Pauli has long taken a clear stance against discrimination and actively supports the LGBTQ+ community. A rainbow flag has flown above the south stand for years, and now it's joined by the most visible symbol yet—the stadium roof.

We’re really excited, because visibility is so important in times when people are trying to make the queer community invisible again. Our rights are being restricted, attacks are rising, and LGBTQ+ people are under threat, said Tanja from St. Pauli Pride.

© Grenzenlos Groundhopping

It’s crucial for the club to have partners who strongly support our values and ideas, added Wilken Engelbracht, FC St. Pauli’s commercial director. The Regenbogen (Rainbow) project is not their first joint initiative—St. Pauli and LichtBlick have previously run campaigns combining social causes with climate action. The new system is expected to save up to 140 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Why FC St. Pauli divides opinion?

FC St. Pauli is admired by progressive fans but also ranks among the most disliked clubs in Europe—especially by those who believe politics should stay out of football. The Hamburg club is unapologetic in promoting its values: opposition to racism, homophobia, sexism, and fascism is enshrined in its charter, and supporters frequently express their views at the stadium.