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New research from Switzerland showed that alpine floating PV systems can outperform lowland or ground-mounted counterparts in terms of energy yield and sustainability. The scientists found that the main material-reduction potential of such floating PV installations lies in the resource-intensive mounting system. Researchers at the ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences have analyzed the life cycle environmental impact of the world’s first high-altitude floating PV system and have found it has an energy payback time of just 2.8 years. The 𝟰𝟰𝟴 𝗸𝗪 system was built in 2019 by Swiss energy provider Romande Energie on the surface of Lac des Toules, a reservoir located at an altitude of 1,810 meters in the Swiss Alps. “The installation consists of 35 platforms equipped with bifacial PV panels and measures a total size of 2′240  m2, covering 2 % of the lake surface,” the scientists stressed. “The structure is anchored at the bottom of the reservoir. Between mid-June and mid-December, the installation is afloat, and for the rest of the year it is posed on a platform on the ground of the reservoir.” Want to read more? Check the link in the comment below 👇 #Renewables #Energy #Technology #Zurich

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Dirk Feinauer

Director, Working Lawyer, Mediator, Speaker, Advisor

3mo

That would also provide an umbrella like effect to prevent evaporation without the plastics the US tried black ball system entails

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Edgar Gunther

Irreverent Photovoltaic Blogger & Technologist

3mo

"Between mid-June and mid-December, the installation is afloat, and for the rest of the year it is posed on a platform on the ground of the reservoir." So the FPV system is never frozen in ice because the Lac waters recede?

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Achieving a 2.8-year payback period is remarkable, especially in the colder part of the planet.

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Marcus Baeckmann

CTO at 3S Swiss Solar Solutions AG | PV Professional | Digitalization and Industry 4.0 since 1996

3mo

Now ask for the ROI.

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