Mountaintop photovoltaic panel artifact

Where is a high-altitude solar power plant located?

This high-altitude solar power plant sits in a stunning location, floating on a lake in between the Swiss Alps. This reservoir doubles as a floating solar power plant, smack back in the middle of the Swiss Alps.

What are the benefits of higher altitudes for solar panels?

Overall, in higher altitudes, stronger solar irradiation and lower temperatures pose significant advantages. The clean air in this area means less dust and fog – a big plus for keeping the solar panels cleaner for a more extended period. Dust-free mountain air keeps the panels cleaner for a more extended period.

How do solar panels work in the Swiss Alps?

Even though we associate having solar panels in sunny and hot regions, panels' efficiency drops remarkably in very high temperatures. So, cooler temperatures are ideal for increased efficiency, which is the case for the Swiss Alps. Also, at this altitude, the sun rays fall just at the right angle on the strategically placed panels.

What are solar panels made of?

The installation consists of 2,240 square metres of solar panels, arranged in five rows of eight over all but one of the 36 floats. "The floats are made of polyethylene and the frame supporting the solar panels is aluminium," explains Fuchs. "The solar panels are two-sided and made of glass.

What is the world's first high-altitude floating solar farm?

This is the world's first high-altitude floating solar farm, perched like a raft atop Lac des Toules, a man-made reservoir near the village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre in the canton of Valais near the Swiss–Italian border.

Does a solar farm affect a lake flora & fauna?

The solar farm floats on the surface of the water and then rests on the bed of the empty lake when the water is drained out between November and March. It has no environmental impact on aquatic flora or fauna. "A number of environmental groups have confirmed that our project does not threaten any ecosystems in the lake.