Solalpine

About

Founded in 2022, Solalpine is a ngo headquartered in Switzerland specializing in Solar.

Solalpine (IG Solalpine) is a Swiss non-profit organization dedicated to developing large photovoltaic systems in the Alpine regions of Switzerland. The organization focuses on installing solar panels above the fog layer (typically above 2000 meters altitude initially, though now prioritizing lower altitudes) to maximize winter electricity production and fill Switzerland's growing winter electricity gap. Solalpine provides advisory services to municipalities and landowners, evaluates site suitability for PV installations with capacity of at least 2 MW, protects against unplanned mountain development, and advises on market-based leasing rates. The organization serves as a neutral intermediary facilitating negotiations between communities, landowners, and energy companies. Solalpine advocates for quality standards and guidelines for above-fog photovoltaic systems and opposes reckless mountain planning. The organization estimates that 100 km² of PV modules (200-300 km² of terrain) could cover 60% of current Swiss electricity consumption, with individual systems typically ranging from 5-100 MW. Alpine PV systems produce significantly more electricity in winter than lowland installations, with up to 4x higher winter yield. The organization emphasizes that alpine PV, combined with building-mounted PV (35 GWp) and other renewables, is essential to achieve Switzerland's net-zero 2050 climate goals and reduce import dependence.