Switzerland's first alpine solar plant has delivered stronger-than-expected performance during its inaugural winter season, marking a milestone for high-altitude PV development in the country.
Strong Winter Output
The Madrisa Solar plant, located in the canton of Graubünden at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, generated around 1.5 GWh of electricity between October and March. During this period, roughly 3,600 solar modules were operational-accounting for about 20% of the plant's planned total capacity.
According to energy company Repower, the facility's winter output exceeded projections. The plant is designed specifically for high winter generation, benefiting from snow cover which boosts production through reflected light. The use of bifacial solar modules, which capture energy on both sides, contributed an additional 15% yield after the first snowfall.
Project Timeline and Scale
Madrisa Solar is being developed by a joint venture in which Repower, the Zurich municipal utility EKZ, and the municipality of Klosters each hold a one-third stake. Total investment in the project stands at CHF 70 million (approximately $87 million).
The next major construction phase is scheduled to begin in early May, with the goal of connecting about 70% of the plant's capacity to the grid by November. Full commercial operation is expected by the end of 2027.
Powering Local Operations
Electricity generated by the facility is used by EKZ and the Klosters-Madrisa mountain railways. Together with their own generation systems, the two railways produce more energy than they consume during winter operations.
Part of a Broader Alpine Push
Madrisa Solar was the first of three large-scale alpine PV projects in Graubünden to connect to the grid, achieving this milestone last September under the federal government's "Solar Express" initiative.
Two additional alpine solar plants are currently under development in the same region: Axpo's NalpSolar and Energia Alpina's SedrunSolar, both located in the Surselva municipality of Tujetsch.
Source: Based on reporting from Swissinfo.ch
