The construction work on the first large-scale photovoltaic system on the Albigna dam is progressing rapidly thanks to the fine weather, EWZ stated in a press release. Therefore, the 670-meter-long large-scale solar plant at an altitude of 2100 meters will be able to produce green electricity by the end of September. As has been done successfully for years, EWZ customers in the city of Zurich and in Graubünden could participate in the plant within the framework of a citizen participation model.
Only a few of the more than 1,200 photovoltaic panels were still missing from the Albigna dam. Then the main work on the first large-scale Alpine solar plant with a power output of 410 kilowatts in Bergell will be completed, the Zurich-based utility company announced. The special feature of the installation: the PV modules are mounted on the south-facing water side, which is a challenge for planning, design and construction. As a solution, EWZ chose an easy-to-maintain mounting system consisting of brackets and aluminium profiles into which the PV modules can simply be inserted and replaced as needed. For the assembly work, a bridge inspection unit had to be transported to the dam wall by the Albigna cable car. For this purpose, one of the two gondolas had to be removed and the device attached to the cables. According to the company, the construction work was largely carried out by EWZ staff from Bergell.
A great success story
Since 2014, EWZ has been offering customers in the city of Zurich the citizen participation model "ewz.solarzüri". For the solar power from the Albigna dam, the product "ewz.solargrischun" has also been available to customers in Graubünden since mid-August. Due to the higher output of the solar plant (more intensive solar radiation at these altitudes as well as the reflective snow cover and lower temperatures), 180 kilowatt hours of solar power per square meter per year will be credited to the electricity bill for 20 years, the press release states.
See also:
Field test of Switzerland's first local electricity market concluded
The cost per square meter would therefore amount to a one-time payment of 560 Swiss francs (about 530,- euros). A total of 2,176 square metres of the large-scale solar plant would be available for purchase. EWZ customers can order one half, one, three or five square metres.
A flagship project
As part of the citizen participation model "ewz.solarzüri", according to the company, the solar systems will only be realised once they have been sold. Currently, 19 solar plants are in operation in the city of Zurich. A new one will be added in the autumn of 2020 and more are planned for 2021. The large-scale solar plant on the Albigna dam is a pioneering project of EWZ and is a shining example for Switzerland. EWZ therefore decided to build the plant before it was sold. It is assumed that the participation model "ewz.solargrischun" will meet with great interest and that the PV surfaces will be sold out very quickly, the Zurich-based utility said. (mfo)
