Alpine solar plant in Switzerland AlpinSolar is now fully operational. During the winter months, the plant, 2,500 metres above sea level, will produce about three times more power than a comparable facility in the Swiss midlands, benefitting from reflections off the snow and its location above the fog. AlpinSolar will make an important contribution to the energy transition and supply solar power to counteract the winter power gap. The pioneering plant was realised through cooperation between Axpo, IWB and Denner.Constructed by Axpo and IWB, the city of Basel's energy utility, AlipinSolar is located on the Muttsee dam high in the Galrus Alps. The innovative project generates climate-friendly electricity from some 5,000 solar panels. Producing electricity for the first time last autumn, as of today the plant is in full operation. Under a power purchase agreement, the retailer Denner will purchase all the solar power produced during the first 20 years of operation for use in its stores.The 2.2-megawatt solar plant will produce approximately 3.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year.During the winter months, alpine solar plants produce three times more power than comparable plants in Switzerland’s midlands. There is a huge demand for this winter electricity in the power mix because Switzerland needs significantly more renewable production capacities during the colder months of the year.Alpine solar plants are still rare in Switzerland. Today, there is no de facto legal foundation for solar plant construction permits outside building zones. Since 1 July 2022, revision of the Spatial Planning Ordinance has seen some minor improvements concerning construction on facades, dams and noise protection walls. However, the expansion of renewables and securing of long-term energy supply in Switzerland will require the approval of ground-mounted plants.
Alpine solar plant in Switzerland AlpinSolar is now fully operational. During the winter months, the plant, 2,500 metres above sea level, will produce about three times more power than a comparable facility in the Swiss midlands, benefitting from reflections off the snow and its location above the fog. AlpinSolar will make an important contribution to the energy transition and supply solar power to counteract the winter power gap. The pioneering plant was realised through cooperation between Axpo, IWB and Denner.Constructed by Axpo and IWB, the city of Basel's energy utility, AlipinSolar is located on the Muttsee dam high in the Galrus Alps. The innovative project generates climate-friendly electricity from some 5,000 solar panels. Producing electricity for the first time last autumn, as of today the plant is in full operation. Under a power purchase agreement, the retailer Denner will purchase all the solar power produced during the first 20 years of operation for use in its stores.The 2.2-megawatt solar plant will produce approximately 3.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year.During the winter months, alpine solar plants produce three times more power than comparable plants in Switzerland’s midlands. There is a huge demand for this winter electricity in the power mix because Switzerland needs significantly more renewable production capacities during the colder months of the year.Alpine solar plants are still rare in Switzerland. Today, there is no de facto legal foundation for solar plant construction permits outside building zones. Since 1 July 2022, revision of the Spatial Planning Ordinance has seen some minor improvements concerning construction on facades, dams and noise protection walls. However, the expansion of renewables and securing of long-term energy supply in Switzerland will require the approval of ground-mounted plants.
