Alpine PV Competence
A project to support implementation partners by the Swiss universities of applied sciences
Latest Knowledge Articles
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Static Mechanical Load Test Sequence
Gassner et al. [1] and the IEA PVPS Task 13 report [2] highlight mechanical load testing as a critical reliability assessment for PV modules deployed in Alpine environments. Both studies emphasise the effect of low temperatures, especially under mechanical load, which causes encapsulant materials to stiffen, reducing their ability to protect fragile solar cells under…
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UV Stress Test Sequence
PV modules installed in Alpine environments are exposed to significantly higher ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to increased solar irradiance and strong UV reflection from snow. At the same time, several new silicon solar cell technologies show increased UV sensitivity [1]. To investigate the impact of these conditions, we performed an indoor UV stress test sequence…
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Sölden (AT)
Alpine PV system in the ski resort of Sölden, Austria, installing Helioplant’s «solar trees» at nearly 3000 m.a.s.l. (under construction): Source: Press release, downloaded on 03.02.2026 Weblinks Press release Helioplant’s website
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Irradiation at high altitudes for alpine photovoltaic systems
The irradiation power of alpine photovoltaic (PV) systems can be very high for short periods, unlike in the midlands. Values of up to 2400 W/m2 for instantaneous values are reported. This is mainly due to pressure-induced thin atmosphere as well as high ground reflections in the snow due to strong module inclination lead to significantly…
