A Swiss canton has launched a project to mount solar panels vertically to roadside walls.
The canton of Appenzell-Ausserhoden in northeastern Switzerland aims to produce at least 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. So he got creative and covered the walkway along the wall with 756 glass solar panels.
The panels have a capacity of 325 kW and generate about 230,000 kW of energy per year. This corresponds to the consumption of approximately 52 Swiss households. The energy supplier will be the network of St. Petersburg. Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke will be imported and in return the canton will receive a preferential tariff.
German mounting system supplier K2 Systems and Swiss contractor SolarMotion installed the vertical system on the 75-degree retaining wall. The panels are attached to the mounting rail using HUS screw anchors and mechanical anchors supplied by Hilti of Liechtenstein.
The photovoltaic system is attached to and inside the masonry using an adhesive technique. To avoid damage to the retaining wall, the maximum anchoring depth should not exceed 90 mm.
Because of their proximity to asphalt, solar panel components are subject to extreme corrosion requirements and are anodized for protection. Indirect components are made of aluminum - only the screw anchors are made of stainless steel.
K2 Systems states that "vertically aligned modules will achieve excellent energy performance, especially during the winter months (when costs and dependence on foreign electricity imports are highest)."
It's not a big project, but it's pretty creative, so it caught my attention. The retaining wall has a dead space, and in the Swiss winter, snow slides off the panels.
At Electrek , we love smart and creative solar installations. The roof of the warehouse? Cover them. the highway? Channel cover? Box stores? Put the sun on them. It just makes sense.
Also read: California to test rooftop solar panels for the first time in the US
Photo: K2 Systems
Consider using solar with a battery storage system to limit power outages and make your home more sustainable. To find a reliable and trustworthy solar installer that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage , a free service that makes your solar installation easy . They have hundreds of pre-screened solar installers vying for your business, ensuring you get a high quality solution and save 20-30% over doing it yourself. Plus, it's free, and you won't get calls from sales professionals until you choose an installer and share your phone number with them.
It's easy to compare your personal solar panel prices online and you'll have access to impartial energy advisors to help you every step of the way. Start from here . - FTC Notice*
: We use automated affiliate links that generate income. Also.
Geotechnics I|| 25.01.22 || Professor Dr. AV
