The dam on Lake Muttsee in the canton of Glarus will use solar and snow-generated energy to produce 3,3 million kilowatts a year, enough to supply 700 homes with electricity.
To achieve this goal, 5.000 solar panels have been installed along the dam wall, which will add energy to that obtained from the existing hydroelectric plant. In all, the mega panel array is one kilometer wide, and is designed to produce 2,2 megawatts of electricity.
As always, I'll show you the video first.
How does the Alpinesolar system work?
For his project, the energy company axpo has opted for the use of bifacial glass solar modules produced by switzerland megasol. These panels, fitted with strong 40mm frames, are capable of dealing with the expected snow weight in the Swiss Alps. Yes, the snow.
Why is it better with snow?
According to Axpo, while installing solar panels in snow-filled mountains might seem counterintuitive, the arrays work even better in these regions, especially during the winter. The reason? Unlike the lower areas (which are dominated by fog during the winter), at higher altitudes in Switzerland the sun shines full force.
Other advantage: the white snow reflects the sunlight, increasing the efficiency of the solar panels in cooler temperatures. Axpo plans to use this effect to generate three times as much solar energy during winter months, such as February and March, than throughout the rest of the year.
Switzerland, the land of the sun?
The Alpinesolar plant is only the latest in a series of activations that bring Switzerland on the rapid path of transition from nuclear power to renewables. Last year, the Swiss government changed its energy law precisely to allow for faster approvals for new solar installations in the country.
If you add that last July the Swiss country also launched a giant "water battery", it is appropriate to say: with the mountain sun (and not only) the world gains.
