The world’s first high-altitude floating solar power station is being tested on Lake Toules in Valais, Switzerland.
The solar panels at the Swiss station produce 50% more energy than panels on the lowlands.
“This pilot project produces 800,000 kWh per year, which corresponds to the consumption of 220 homes,” said Maxime Ramstein, manager of Romande Energie.
At 1810 metres above sea level, mountain conditions make solar radiation stronger.
“Solar radiation is better in the mountains. The temperatures are lower, which is better in terms of efficiency. And the reflection coefficient, meaning that solar radiation is very high on the ground, on ice and snow,” explained Maxime Ramstein, manager of Romande Energie.
Measures to reduce the environmental impact
According to the company, the solar power plant is located on a reservoir rather than a natural lake, which reduces the environmental impact.
“The reservoir is drained every year. It is full because the snow melted during the spring and summer. There is little flora and fauna and the environmental impact is very low,” stressed Maxime Ramstein, manager of Romande Energie.
If successful, the pilot project will be extended so that it can produce energy for more than 6,000 homes.
“We have developed a structure with a lifetime of 50 years, with two 25-year cycles for the solar modules. Our plan is to extend the project on Lake Toules and apply this type of technology to another lake,” considered Guillaume Fuchs, co-director of the Energy Solutions Department, Romande Energie.
