Solar power revolution: Swiss roadside project maximizes energy
In Switzerland, photovoltaic panels are installed next to the road, and a new project is focused on a retaining wall. Companies K2 Systems and Solarmotion have launched an initiative to demonstrate how existing infrastructure can be used for energy purposes.
One of the main challenges for solar power plants is the space they occupy. Consequently, we are increasingly installing systems on the roofs of houses as part of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), which involves integrating panels with building facades and various other structures, as in this case in Switzerland.
Unusual photovoltaic structure by the road
The consortium, consisting of the German company K2 Systems and Swiss Solarmotion, installed photovoltaic panels on a retaining wall in Teufen, in the canton of Appenzell Ausserhoden. The structure, which has a 75-degree slope, has 756 panels with a total capacity of 325 kW.
K2 Systems reports that the installation was carried out using the K2 BasicRail mounting rail in combination with HUS anchor bolts provided by Hilti.
The installation process was challenging because it could not disturb the stability of the wall. Therefore, bonding technology was used for the anchors, which were used to a depth of up to 4 inches.
How much energy will the roadside panels produce?
The panels are expected to be particularly efficient during the cooler months. The annual production forecast is around 230,000 kWh.
The generated energy will be fed into the local grid of St. Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG (SAK) under the Swiss feed-in tariff system.
