Switzerland is set to add a significant contribution to its renewable energy portfolio with the launch of the 12-megawatt “Madrisa Solar” photovoltaic project. Nestled at 2,000 meters above the village of Klosters, the plant will provide 17 gigawatt hours of solar power annually once fully operational by 2027. Its strategic location near a ski and winter sports area maximizes solar exposure, making it an ideal site for the project.
The venture is a collaborative effort between the municipality of Klosters, Zurich Electricity Works (EKZ), and Repower AG under the banner of Madrisa Solar AG. The plant will feature 19,000 solar modules, each with a capacity of 580 watts, supplied by the German manufacturer Axitec. The photovoltaic system will also incorporate 100 large string inverters, designed to handle outputs ranging from 100 to 125 kilovolt-amperes.
The plant is projected to cost 70 million Swiss francs (around 75 million euros), with the solar power generated connected to the Madrisa ski resort’s transformer station. The installation process will unfold in stages, with the plant required to connect at least 10% of its electricity to the grid by 2025 in compliance with Switzerland’s “Solar Express” law, which incentivizes alpine solar power expansions.
However, the project is not without its challenges. The limited alpine installation season means that construction must be precisely timed, requiring careful planning and effective collaboration between all parties involved. Despite these hurdles, the project marks an important milestone in Switzerland’s renewable energy transition, offering a new model for solar power in high-altitude locations.
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