The 2.2 megawatt plant is expected to produce enough electricity from its 5,000 solar units to power 740 four-person households.
Energy company Axpo expects the plant to be completed in September. However, weather conditions could affect the timetable as materials have to be brought in by helicopter to the remote site by the Muttsee dam in central Switzerland.
The plant is expected to cost CHF5.5 million ($6 million) but the future electricity output has already been sold, most notably to the Denner supermarket chain that has signed up for this electricity supply for the next 20 years.
It is being built at such a high elevation to avoid fog and low cloud that collects in the region. For this reason, it is expected to produce more electricity than lower-lying photovoltaic plants, including in winter.
The alpine state is decommissioning its nuclear power plants and intends to fill the energy gap from renewable sources.
Nearly 50% more solar panels were erected in Switzerland last year compared to 2019, covering 4.7% of Switzerland’s entire energy consumption (3.8% in 2019). But industry body Swissolar says the number of installations will have to increase 15-fold to meet renewable energy targets.
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The world’s first high-altitude floating solar power plant may be a sign of things to come for the global photovoltaic industry.
Swiss President remembers victims of October 7 attack
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One year after the attack on Israel by Hamas, Swiss President Viola Amherd remembered the victims and called for the release of all hostages.
Lausanne public transport to go all-electric by 2030
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The company that runs public transport in the Swiss city of Lausanne intends to convert its entire fleet of vehicles to electric power within the next five years.
UBS lowers growth forecasts for Swiss economy in 2025
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Economists at UBS have lowered their growth forecasts for Switzerland's economy next year, citing a slowdown in the eurozone as a factor.
Russia opens criminal case against Swiss journalist for crossing Kursk border
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The Russian secret service has opened proceedings against Swiss journalist Kurt Pelda for crossing the state border in the Kursk region.
Swiss mushroom pickers face shortage of poison antidote
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Tox Info Suisse is urging amateur mushroom pickers to have their pickings checked amid a current shortage of the antidote used to treat mushroom poisoning.
Swiss skies too cloudy for spotting aurora borealis
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The northern lights were visible on Sunday night only near the border with Austria. The Swiss sky was too overcast to observe the lights.
Memorial service held in Bern for October 7 attack victims
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Over 200 people commemorated the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel one year ago in Bern's synagogue on Sunday evening.
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Swiss solar power breaks records but still misses targets
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Despite a record-breaking increase in solar panel installation, Switzerland is far away from its target of shifting away from non-renewables.
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The world’s first high-altitude floating solar power plant may be a sign of things to come for the global photovoltaic industry.
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Is Switzerland, one of the world’s most environmentally conscious societies, in danger of moving backwards on green projects?
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.