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Switzerland-based SunTechnics Fabrisolar has successfully installed a large-scale 900kWp PV system on the rooftops of Sagewerke Christen’s production and storage buildings in Luthern, Switzerland. As a result of the installation, Sagewerke Christen has become the first “self-sufficient and carbon neutral” sawmill in Switzerland, the company claims.
SunTechnics developed the PV project in collaboration with Trina Solar, a vertically-integrated PV manufacturer with its European headquarters in Switzerland. Trina Solar supplied and installed the PV modules for the project.
The PV array covers an area of 6,000 square metres and is composed of 3,576 multicrystalline PC05A Honey PV modules which are integrated into the roof. Each module is rated at 260 Wp. The modules were chosen specifically for this project as the modules provide protection for the building against adverse weather.
SunTechnics CEO Felix Maag, explains, “We teamed up with Trina Solar because their modules have an excellent degree of efficiency. The Swiss market has very particular requirements. Apart from high module output, qualities such as top performance in low-light conditions and a high snow load are key. Trina Solar products really stand out when it comes to meeting these requirements.”
During snow load testing, Trina Solar exposes its modules to 10,800 pascal of pressure. This surpasses the IEC standards which only require an exposure of 2,400 pascal of pressure. Furthermore, its Honey cells have been designed so that it optimizes light absorption even during low levels of daylight.
The PV system came into operation in July and has since been supplying electricity direct to the sawmill. It is able to generate up to 900,000 kWh annually.
