Engadiner Kraftwerke, a Swiss hydropower company, selected Solitek as the supplier for their alpine solar power project in Punt dal Gall. Constructed on the road wall, a PV system will help to close the winter gap of sustainable energy. Solitek frameless solar panels were also installed on the flat roof of the St. Moritz Energie plant. With the 90° installation angle, Solitek solar panels help to avoid any maintenance during winter, making the PV-system very practical and aesthetic.
A solution for sustainable energy in winter
Situated near the Punt dal Gall dam on Lake Livigno, the Punt dal Gall project represents a groundbreaking alpine PV system. Funded by the Swiss Federal Government and the Canton, this endeavor boasts 478 Lithuanian Solitek solar modules (Blackstar 420W). Ingeniously installed on the road retaining wall, these modules are projected to generate an impressive 230,000 kWh of sustainable electricity, equivalent to powering 60 households.
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Emphasizing the significance of winter solar power production, the completion of the Punt dal Gall installation aligns perfectly with the onset of winter. Strategically positioned on a nearly vertical retaining wall, the system takes advantage of optimal sun alignment. The high-altitude location, coupled with low temperatures and the reflective winter surroundings, creates an ideal setting for the production of sustainable winter electricity.
Altitude and cold temperatures were a challenge
The project's uniqueness is underscored by its execution during the Munt La Schera tunnel renovation, necessitating a three-week closure of both road and tunnel. Solar panels were mounted on the curved wall, directly adjacent to the road. The site presented a challenging environment, with high altitude and cold temperatures.
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In collaboration with Solitek, Reech AG also unveiled the Geminus.90° project in St. Moritz, showcasing an intricately designed flat roof PV system for the St. Moritz Energie plant. The system was constructed on the community-owned "Du Lac" elderly people's centre, and there are already several more similar systems in the area featuring Solitek modules.
Steep angles help prevent build-up of snow
The St. Moritz project required a meticulously planned system layout that adhered to space constraints while minimizing shading impact and maintaining the minimal system power requirement. The installation of frameless modules, designed to eliminate self-shading by the frame, was completed in just two weeks. Solitek's solar panels, installed at an angle of 90 degrees, not only prevent snow accumulation but also ensure hassle-free maintenance during the winter. (mfo)
