Is solar power a good choice for the Alps?

Sun power is also a good choice for the Alps, also economically, said Michael Lehning, a study coauthor. “The Alps get a lot of sunshine in the winter, and the hydropower infrastructure that’s already in place could be used to transmit solar energy to the main grid.

Could solar power reduce Switzerland's energy costs in the winter?

Our study shows that adding solar capacity in the Alps to capture winter sunlight, and combining that with the hydropower already being generated, could cut the amount of energy Switzerland has to import in the winter by some 80%,” he said.

Are there hydropower plants in the Alpine region?

But in recent years, another aspect of the Alpine energy supply has been gaining increasing attention: hundreds of small hydropower plants, many rooted in traditional cultures of self-sufficiency and self-determination. You might also like:

Should solar panels be installed in the low lands?

The model suggests locating 40% of the country’s new wind turbines in this region, followed by the Alps and pre-Alps. Furthermore, the study also finds that installing rooftop solar panels in the low lands is not an effective solution, due to persistent cloud cover in winter. Another of the scientists’ findings is worth investigating further.

Is Switzerland a good place to get solar power?

Last year, a study by the Swiss Energy Foundation (SES) found the Swiss to be among worst solar and wind performers in Europe. May 20, 2020 Switzerland meets only 4.2% of its electricity needs with wind and solar power, which is far from where it should be to meet climate goals. June 9 votes in Switzerland: how can healthcare costs be reined in?

Should solar panels be installed in the Alps?

“We saw that installing solar panels in the Alps could bring real benefits, including from an economic perspective,” says Michael Lehning, a coauthor of the study and full professor at EPFL, and the head of CRYOS.