Vielle 50 years old, these from the parabolic antennas used were initially promised to dismantle. But the fun TDC company has decided to offer them a second life by transforming them into photovoltaic power plants.
Just like other companies that are looking for energy -self -sufficiency, the Swiss telecommunications company has fun TDC on solar energy. But unlike other companies, she used her old parabolic antennas as support for photovoltaic panels.
Indeed, this telecommunication equipment benefits from an ideal location because they are 1000 meters above sea level, in the city of Lèche, in the Swiss Alps. In other words, they are above the fog line and then benefit from optimum sunshine. So, on the dozens of parabolic antennas that are present on the site, two were converted into solar energy plants.
Much more electricity than with a conventional system
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With their curved shape, the similarities at first sight do not seem to be the ideal support for solar panels. Contrary to what one would think, they would be more profitable than a classic installation. All thanks to the configuration of antennas, because let’s not forget that these systems have been designed to follow the satellites.
«The mobility of antennas, with the possibility of being aligned horizontally and vertically, has proven to be ideal for the installation of solar panels“John Harris explains, director of Leuk TDC, reported by PV -Magazine. Just like a Solar Tracker, similarities can follow the singing trajectory to optimize the absorption of solar radiation. “”We get many more hours of electricity than with a conventional system“, By the way, the manager said.
Every thus transformed parable will produce around 110,000 kWh per year, the equivalent of the consumption of 25 households. A achievement made possible thanks to the 307 solar panels that are installed on every structure.
Power Optimizers to optimize the yield
Nevertheless, if the mobility of the antennas makes it possible to optimize the solar yield, the installation still requires specific equipment. Indeed, certain areas of the similarities can inevitably be shaded at certain times of the day. To limit the impact of these gray areas, the CKW company, Swiss installation program that is responsible for the project, DC underwinders in connection with wealth optimization means placed under each pair of panels.
«Without the use of power optimizers, we simply could not reach the energy level that is being produced today“Said Manuel Jossi, head of solar technology at CKW. The electricity produced will be sold to Leuk TDC with a fixed rate within the framework of a fixed -term contract with CKW.
In addition to these two branches, the telecommunication company has also installed a roof station in its data center. This infrastructure now works 100 % thanks to renewable, solar and hydraulic electricity.
