The Swiss energy turnaround is feasible with a fivefold increase in new photovoltaic construction
According to a study published by the SFOE in mid-April, the exploitable solar power potential on Swiss buildings is 67 billion kilowatt hours per year. This corresponds to 110 percent of Switzerland's electricity consumption.
The Federal Office of Topography (Swisstopo), the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climate (MeteoSwiss) and the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) have developed the following application sunroof.ch a solar potential cadastre for the whole of Switzerland. On the basis of this cadastre, the SFOE has made an accurate estimate of the potential on roofs and façades. Switzerland is probably one of the first countries in which an analysis of potential based on a solar cadastre is possible. The potential on roofs with an annual production of around 50 billion kilowatt hours (50 terawatt hours, TWh) was already determined last September.
Facades with a lot of potential
On 15 April, the SFOE published the Potential on facades presented. It is 17 TWh per year. In both cases, this is the "exploitable" potential, which is significantly lower than the technical potential. Only larger contiguous areas with reasonably usable irradiation are taken into account. The newly determined façade potential is of particular interest, as comparatively high winter yields can be expected on these surfaces due to their vertical orientation. Their use is also attracting increasing interest among architects, as the variety of available photovoltaic modules is rapidly increasing in terms of colours, textures and sizes.
Swissolar has also calculated the additional potential on car park roofs, road surfaces and in the Alpine region. For the latter, only areas that are not protected in any way and already have infrastructure facilities were considered. These include ski resorts, for example. Result: Even with a very cautious calculation, an additional 15 terawatt hours of annual production are added.
The expansion of photovoltaics must be increased fivefold
In total, at least 82 terawatt hours of solar power can be produced in Switzerland each year. In combination with existing hydropower (35 terawatt hours per year) and other renewable energies (especially wind), it is therefore possible to ensure a 100% energy supply for Switzerland by 2050, including the replacement of nuclear power and fossil energies (mobility, heating).
In order to achieve this transition in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement by 2050, a fivefold increase in the annual addition of photovoltaics from 300 megawatts today to 1500 megawatts is required. The calculations are in good agreement with a study published on 11.4.19. Study by Energy Watch Group and the Finnish LUT University. According to this, a full global supply of renewable energy can be achieved by 2050, and this is more cost-effective than the current energy system. In the scenario, 70% of the energy comes from the sun.
Source: Swissolar
