Swiss integrated energy solutions provider CKW has repurposed unused satellite dishes at the Swiss telecom company Leuk TDC into state-of-the-art solar installations. This innovative project, developed in collaboration with the global smart energy technology company SolarEdge, showcases a progressive approach to renewable energy by demonstrating the substantial potential of utilizing existing infrastructure for solar energy production.
Located in Leuk, Switzerland, Leuk TDC conceived the idea of transforming old satellite dishes, originally built in 1972, into the foundation for a new solar plant aimed at meeting the energy demands of its data center. The recently installed solar plant consists of two satellite dishes, each equipped with 307 solar panels, generating approximately 110,000 kWh of clean energy annually. Additionally, a rooftop solar system on the main building contributes another 555,000 kWh of solar power each year. The data center is also powered by energy from hydroelectric plants, ensuring that its entire energy supply comes from 100% renewable sources.
Given the complex orientation and angles of the solar panels on the satellite dishes, shadows and varying inclinations posed challenges to the efficiency of the solar system. Traditional string solar inverters would have limited performance, as they would adjust the output to the weakest panel in a string, meaning one shaded panel could significantly lower energy yield. To overcome this, SolarEdge’s innovative DC-optimized inverter solution was employed, utilizing Power Optimizers attached to the underside of every pair of solar panels. This setup allows the solar system to counteract the effects of module mismatch on the satellite dishes, maximizing energy production for Leuk TDC and ensuring the project’s financial viability.
Manuel Jossi, Deputy Head of Solar Technology for Central Switzerland at CKW, the installer of the solar plant, remarked, “Having design flexibility with a solar installation is a huge benefit for installers. In complex cases like these with uneven surfaces, we wouldn’t have achieved the current energy production levels without the use of power optimizers. I recommend that others planning similar solar installations allocate ample time for planning and collaborate with trusted personnel to tackle any technical challenges.”
The transition to solar energy underscores Leuk TDC’s commitment to sustainability, as the company has been using hydropower to power its core operations for several years. With the growing energy needs of its data center, the company plans to continue leveraging solar and hydropower to meet 100% of its energy requirements moving forward. This strategy not only aligns with Leuk TDC’s environmental goals but also provides financial stability by reducing reliance on fluctuating grid electricity costs. The success of the satellite dish project is hoped to inspire future innovations in renewable energy infrastructure.
John Harris, CEO of Leuk TDC, stated, “The need for the satellite dishes was becoming obsolete, so we always knew we wanted to utilize them in some way. The design of the dishes, which allows for both horizontal and vertical alignment, is ideal for a solar panel installation. By tracking the sun’s path throughout the day, these dishes optimize solar radiation absorption. With the installation, we now generate significantly more hours of electricity compared to conventional string systems, and Power Optimizers further enhance electricity production.”
The repurposed satellite dishes now power Leuk TDC’s data center in conjunction with hydroelectric energy and a rooftop solar system, enabling the facility to operate entirely on renewable energy. Each satellite dish, fitted with 307 solar panels and optimized by SolarEdge Power Optimizers, generates around 110,000 kWh of clean energy annually.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/transforming-satellite-dishes-into-solar-power-generators-a-case-study-from-switzerland/
