Photovoltaics

In photovoltaics, solar radiation is converted into electrical energy by solar cells directly and emission-free.

Advantages:

Price reductions have made new photovoltaic electricity less expensive than any other power plant technology today.
Switzerland’s buildings alone are potentially able to produce more electricity than we are using today.
Photovoltaic systems produce electricity over a period of almost 30 years, without pollution or noise, and at minimal maintenance costs.

PV applications

PV systems can either be connected to the public power grid (grid-connected systems) or operated autonomously (stand-alone systems).

PV system installation types

Any outdoor surface can be used to generate solar power. In Switzerland, solar systems are most commonly fitted on roofs. However, facades are being used more and more often, as well as unconventional surfaces such as avalanche protection panels or sound protection walls. Solar farms built on free outdoor surfaces are less frequent.