Principles of solar power generation in high-altitude and cold mountainous areas

Are photovoltaic power plants feasible at high altitude?

The rising demand for sustainable energy requires to identify the sites for photovoltaic systems with the best performance. This paper tackles the question of feasibility of photovoltaic power plants at high altitude. A direct comparison between an alpine and an urban area site is conducted in the south of Austria.

Why is solar energy used in mountainous areas?

Due to the high altitude of the mountainous areas, solar energy is abundant. Solar energy is also easy to obtain and nearly inexhaustible. Hence, solar energy is an ideal renewable energy source to be used in mountainous areas with high altitude. As for solar energy utilization, the solar collector is the core component.

Why is altitude important for solar collector inclination?

It is mainly because in the areas where the global radiation is dominated by direct radiation, solar altitude angle is an essential factor to determine the optimal inclination of solar collector.

Can a steeper surface orientation prevent snow from accumulating on solar panels?

The steeper surface orientation can also prevent snow from accumulating on the solar panel. However, the differences in measured power could be due to measurement uncertainty. Furthermore, it is not possible to derive a comprehensive conclusion by only considering a single experiment.

Can solar power be harvested in mountainous areas?

An economic aspect of solar power harvesting in mountainous areas is the cost of land. Prices of high altitude parcels could be expected to be lower due to their remote locations. Steep slopes and high distances to socio-economic centers make it less attractive for residential building projects.

Should solar panels be installed on snow-covered mountains?

The placement of solar panels on snow-covered mountains can boost the production of electricity when it is most needed — in the cold, dark winter. Solar-power systems have long been hampered by a seasonal problem: the panels produce more energy in summer than in winter, at least in the mid-latitudes, where much of the planet’s population lives.