Innovative Pilot Project: Floating Photovoltaic System On The Planai

The Planai-Hochwurzen cable cars are pursuing an ambitious goal: by 2029, 16% of their own electricity needs are to be covered by self-generated renewable energy. As part of a comprehensive photovoltaic concept, new projects are implemented every year on suitable sites. The company is open to innovative approaches, as shown by a current pilot project for a floating photovoltaic system on a storage pond in the Planai.

After the first five panels - specially developed for the requirements of high mountains - were installed in January, the expansion to a total of ten panels with a total output of 6 kW followed at the beginning of March. The focus of the test period until the end of March will be on the effects of extreme alpine weather conditions. Particular attention will be paid to the resistance of the floating bodies to ice formation, snow pressure and meltwater.

"As a pioneer in the field of photovoltaic expansion, we are open to innovative solutions that advance our vision of a sustainable energy future. With the pilot project of the floating PV system, we hope to gain valuable insights into the potential that this technology offers for the future of renewable energy in the mountain climate," says Dir. Georg Bliem, Managing Director of the Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen.

This patented technology, newly developed in Austria by SolOcean in collaboration with Stonehill, opens up new possibilities for generating photovoltaic electricity in the Alpine region. In conjunction with the measurement technology manufacturer TELE Haase, this innovative solution is being further optimized to meet the special challenges of the Alpine region.