The Swiss Solar Agency has proudly announced that two pioneering Swiss projects have been awarded European Solar Prizes in 2024, highlighting the nation’s leadership in renewable energy. These awards, presented by the European Association for Renewable Energy (Eurosolar), celebrate outstanding contributions to sustainable construction and climate-friendly mobility. The winning projects—the first solar hybrid power plant in the Alps by Axpo and the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen’s architectural solar integration—serve as powerful examples of the country’s broader solar initiative for energy independence.
Axpo Wins for Europe’s Largest Alpine Solar Hybrid Power Plant: Acknowledged at Swiss solar awards
Axpo has received a prestigious European Solar Prize for its groundbreaking construction of Europe’s largest alpine solar hybrid power plant, located at the Muttsee dam in Glarus. The high-altitude facility features a 2.2 MW solar power plant and a 1.5 MW battery storage unit, both fully connected to the grid and integrated with an existing pumped storage power plant.
The solar installation at Muttsee dam, situated at a remarkable 2,500 meters above sea level, is the first of its kind in Switzerland to combine solar generation with battery storage at such an altitude. Alpine solar plants offer a distinct advantage: the higher elevation, thinner atmosphere, and reflection from snow cover (albedo effect) can significantly boost electricity production, especially during the winter months when energy demand is highest.
This innovative project provides a powerful model for sustainable energy solutions. The batteries play a crucial role, storing excess solar energy generated during peak sunshine hours. This stored power is then used to operate the pumps for the pumped storage plant, creating a highly efficient and stable energy cycle. The growing trend of combining generation with storage is not just for large-scale projects; it mirrors the rising demand for home solar storage in Switzerland, which helps stabilize the grid and increase energy self-sufficiency for homeowners.
The solar power plant was completed in 2022, with the battery storage unit coming online in 2024. This cutting-edge project showcases the immense potential of combining renewable energy sources with advanced storage technologies to enhance grid stability and sustainability.
Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen Wins for Solar Integration in Architecture: Recognized at Swiss solar awards
The second European Solar Prize was awarded to the St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital’s new surgical centre for its masterful integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems directly into the building’s architecture. The hospital’s facade now features a 1,100 square meter Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system, which generates approximately 145 MWh of clean electricity annually. This project demonstrates how solar technology can be both a functional power source and a core element of modern aesthetic design.
The design choice was a clever response to the facade’s less-than-optimal orientation for solar generation. By embracing the challenge, the hospital collaborated with Saphir Group, a Swiss PV specialist, to develop a unique solution. The custom BIPV modules used in the project were produced by the Swiss company Meyer Burger, showcasing the high level of expertise within the local industry regarding the solar panel manufacturing process.
A key innovation is the vertical arrangement of the modules. This alignment allows them to capture sunlight more effectively when the sun is low in the sky, a common occurrence during Swiss winters. This thoughtful design optimizes solar power generation throughout the year, ensuring a more consistent energy supply when it is most needed.
The European Solar Prizes have been recognizing exemplary renewable energy projects across Europe since 1994, celebrating innovation and commitment to a sustainable future. These Swiss winners underscore the country’s dedication to meeting its ambitious solar energy targets, supported by policies like the recently approved solar PV installation law. For homeowners and policymakers in neighbouring countries like Germany, these projects offer valuable inspiration for deploying solar technology in both large-scale infrastructure and urban architecture.
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