Solar systems in the Alps can produce four times as much electricity in the same area in winter as systems on the central plateau. This is evident from evaluations of a test facility at 2,500 meters above sea level in Davos, which have been published in a new report.
Researchers from the University of Applied Sciences Zurich (ZHAW) compared data from the photovoltaic test system in Alpine with a roof system in Wädenswil. In the winter half of the year, from October to March, the electricity output of the Davos power plant was three to four times higher than the output of the Wädenswil power plant, the researchers said.
More sunlight, more reflection
There are several reasons for this: First, solar radiation is higher in the Alps in winter than on the central plateau. This applies to both direct solar radiation due to other weather conditions and reflected solar radiation due to snow, explains ZHAW researcher Jürg Roher.
The snow reflects light back to the solar systems, which can then produce more electricity. In addition, the performance of solar energy systems depends on temperature. The colder it is, the higher the performance.
Special solar panels in use
According to the report, one of the reasons for the better electricity yield per area is the use of so-called bifacial solar system modules in the Alpine test facility. These can utilize sunlight not only at the front, but also at the back. This allows the system to harvest more solar energy and therefore increase energy efficiency.
On the other hand, conventional solar panels were used in the Wädenswil factory. But the comparison with different systems makes sense, Rohrer said. “If such bifacial modules were installed on a roof, one side would simply remain dark,” the expert explains. The report compares the modules used on roofs on the central plateau with those possible in the Alps.
Source: Krone
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