ZNSHINE SOLAR, a leading manufacturer of mono- and polycrystalline photovoltaic modules, equipped Switzerlands biggest solar carport with photovoltaic modules in December 2012.
The project was carried out as a turnkey solution by ZNSHINE SOLAR distributor EES Jäggi-Bigler AG on a logistics centre owned by the company Galliker Transport AG in Altishofen near Lu- zern.
After one year, the solar carport installation produced nearly 720 MWh in the period of December 2012 to December 2013 and is able to cover 100 % of the energy needs of the building, ensuring its self-sufficiency. The installation is especially resistant to severe weather conditions and shows an innovative integrated design.
A successful project thanks to innovation The Galliker Transport AG company building in Altishofen was extended by an additional floor used as a parking level in 2012 sheltering around 2000 vehicles which was equipped with a state-of-the-art solar carport.
The plant produced more than 720 MWh of electricity from December 2012 until December 2013; this amount corresponds to the electricity supply of about 200 households. From May 2013 to December 2013 the installation produced 544,900 kWh, with an output that exceeded by 10% the predicted production for the period (expected energy production: 491,345 kWh). With its 785 kWp installed capacity and a surface area of 5100 m2, the solar carport is the biggest of its kind in Switzerland and a perfect example of how economic advantages can be combined with environmental sustainability by means of innovation.
In order to meet the challenges of weatherproofing under extreme environmental conditions, modules must meet high resilience requirements.
ZNSHINE SOLARs modules used in the installation are both able to withstand heavy static loads up to 5400 Pa and are compliant with the standards of hail resistan ce class 3 (a mandatory HW3 requirement of the buildings insurance). An integrated rooftop installation for enhanced weather protection featuring a lightweight system was especially designed for the carport, which showed the high flexibility in the deployment of ZNSHINE SOLAR modules.
The improved coverage provided to the parked vehicles allowed Galliker Transport AG to fully meet the buildings insurance requirements and therefore to reduce their insurance premium. The high efficiency of the plant ensures not only the buildings self sufficiency, but also al lows the energy produced to be directly fed into the grid.
Thanks to the installation of the solar plant and the use of highly resilient modules on the roof of the carport along with an innovative structure, the challenge of pro viding enhanced coverage to the vehicles turned into so lid financial rewards by means of a sustainable solution.
http://www.znshine-solar.com/case-study-znshine-solar-the-biggest-solar-carport-in-switzerland/
