The first results from an experimental high-altitude floating solar farm have been published by Vaud based Romande Energie.
The farm is on the Toules Reservoir in canton Valais. The panels float on the surface at an altitude of 1,800 meters.
It was first installed in 2019 – after 10 years of research.
The farm has to cope with the change in the water levels of the reservoir – as much as 15 meters, and a temperature range from minus 25 to plus 30 degrees.
Initial results show snow accumulation on the panels hindered winter production and shadow from the mountains also cut daylight hours.
But engineers say the lessons learnt are valuable and with some changes to the angles of the panels and technology to keep the snow off – the farm should be able to produce 50% more energy than a comparable site on the plateau.
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