From the launch of the “Solar Express” to concrete projects
In September 2022, the Swiss parliament approved the “Solar Express”. Under this initiative, the federal authorities will subsidise the construction of alpine photovoltaic installations, which particularly aids domestic winter energy production, until the end of 2025. It aims to reduce Swiss dependence on electricity imports over the winter months while accelerating the energy transition at the same time. Parliament has also been debating whether to accelerate grid projects since mid-2023. A “Solar Express” will hardly work within the designated time frames without a “Grid Express”. As the “Solar Express” only provides for accelerated approval processes for the installed load of alpine solar installations up to the grid connection point designated by the distribution system operator, the “Grid Express” announced by parliament is urgently needed. This would speed up the implementation of grid strengthening measures from the connection point, a prerequisite for accelerated expansion of renewables.
BKW’s alpine solar projects at a glance
Here you will find a list of the alpine solar projects that BKW is prioritising. They are all situated in the canton of Bern. However, BKW also remains open to the idea of more alpine solar projects in other cantons. It has commissioned a study to evaluate the alpine solar potential of various sites throughout Switzerland. Grid connectivity is one key aspect here. If further projects should arise from this and from the ongoing examination of alpine sites for solar installations in general, BKW will announce them in due time.
Site (municipality/ies) | Adelboden BE |
Partners | BKW, stake: 50% Licht- und Wasserwerk Adelboden AG (LWA), stake: 40% Tschentenbahnen AG, stake: 10% |
Status | Approval by landowner: 4 October 2023 |
Capacity | 9 megawatt peak (MWp) |
Annual output | 14 gigawatt hours (GWh) |
Specific winter yield (October to March) | 685 kilowatt hours/kilowatt peak (kWh/kWp) |
Required area | 7,5 hectares (ha) |
Number of solar panels | around 670 |
Total number of solar modules | around 21,500 |
Site (municipality/ies) | Saint-Imier BE |
Partners | BKW, stake: 42.5% Société des Forces Electriques de La Goule SA, stake: 42.5% AEW Energie AG, stake: 15% |
Status | Approval by Bourgeoisie de Saint-Imier: 1st March 2024 Approval by Conseil de Ville: 14 March 2024 Expected popular vote: 9 June 2024 |
Capacity | 8 megawatt peak (MWp) |
Annual output | 11 gigawatt hours (GWh) |
Specific winter yield (October to March) | 545 kilowatt hours/kilowatt peak (kWh/kWp) |
Required area | 14 hectares (ha) |
Number of solar panels | around 400 |
Number of solar modules | around 20,000 |
Site (municipality/municipalities) | Schattenhalb BE |
Partners | - |
Status | Approval by Alpgenossenschaft Grindel: October 2023 Approval by municipal council: 2 December 2023 |
Capacity | 8,5 megawatt peak (MWp) |
Annual output | 14 gigawatt hours (GWh) |
Specific winter yield (October to March) | 670 kilowatt hours/kilowatt peak (kWh/kWp) |
Required area | 9 hectares (ha) |
Number of solar panels | around 600 |
Number of solar modules | around 20,000 |
Site (municipality/ies) | Schattenhalb BE |
Partners | - |
Status | Approval by Alpgenossenschaft Grindel: October 2023 Municipal vote: Spring 2024 |
Capacity | tbd |
Annual production | tbd |
Specific winter yield (October to March) | 690 kilowatt hours/kilowatt peak (kWh/kWp) |
Required area | tbd |
Number of solar panels | tbd |
Number of solar modules | tbd |
BKW’s innovative solution for alpine solar installations
BKW has developed an innovative technical solution for alpine solar installations and has patented elements of it. With fewer supports, the construction allows greater access for animals. A frame around the individual panels makes them quick and environmentally friendly to install on site. And thanks to a predetermined breaking point with the lower panels, the construction will remain intact even in a once-in-a-century blizzard. This animated video shows how BKW’s innovative solution works (with subtitles in German and French).