Towards a solar-powered world
The figure released by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy for 2023 is striking—and exciting. New photovoltaic installations increased by 51% last year compared to 2022, reaching 1,641 megawatts by 31 December 2023. Solar panels operating in Switzerland now account for 6.4 gigawatts, supplying over 8% of the annual country’s needs. In 2024, solar energy will exceed 10% of Switzerland’s annual energy requirements, surpassing the Beznau nuclear power plant. The federal electricity law aims to increase this amount fivefold by 2034. The solar movement is in motion, and Switzerland is in the race with cutting-edge companies (see below) and centres of excellence like Neuchâtel’s CSEM leading the charge. SolarStratos aims to demonstrate the vast potential of this clean, sustainable energy source through its mission to fly to the stratosphere onboard the prototype plane, HB-SXA.
What an evening!
Titled ‘Solar in All Its Forms’, the name set the tone. On Thursday, September 26, SolarStratos and PlanetSolar Foundation hosted a gathering at the Payerne base, bringing together guests, partners, and experts to explore the latest advancements in solar energy technology. It was an inspiring evening. Many thanks to Laure-Emmanuelle Perret from LightSeeds, Pascal Rochat, Women in Power, Voltiris, Josette Fresard of Viteos, Sandra Gostanian of EXPLORiT, and all the other speakers that joined us. The event was enhanced by the poetic and musical touch of cellist Marion Devaud.
A radiant panel discussion
A highlight of the evening of September 27 was a panel discussion moderated by Alain Jeannet who led an engaging conversation with State Councilor Céline Vara, Payerne mayor Éric Küng, and Mathieu Aubert, head of the economy department for Neuchâtel canton. The future is solar, and it’s already here! “It’s a pity not all my colleagues from the Federal Assembly could attend this evening,” said Céline Vara. We’re counting on her to spread the word in Bern!
Solar and hydrogen:
The decarbonized combo
By 2026, ETH Zurich aims to meet one-fifth of the Hönggerberg campus’s winter electricity needs through solar power. This will be achieved with a pilot storage technology: excess solar electricity generated in summer will be used to produce hydrogen, which in turn will be stored and transported to a boiler. There, it will react with iron ore, producing elemental iron and water which is a storable energy source! This is truly something that will fuel the future. The Federal Council is also expected to present its hydrogen strategy for Switzerland’s energy future later this year.
Alpine views—worth the trip
Are you among those (including the entire SolarStratos team) who were captivated by the magical images of solar-powered, silent, carbon-free flight over the Alps? We never get tired of seeing them. And people keep asking for more! So be sure to check out the latest reels and souvenir photos published across our social media channels after our recent flight from Sion Airport. It was worth every moment!
Raphaël Domjan at Les Automnales in Geneva
Raphaël Domjan will be at Les Automnales fair in Geneva on Tuesday, November 12, from 16:00. As the ambassador for Naoenergy, the founder and pilot of PlanetSolar and SolarStratos will chat with guests and visitors at partner booth K28. Feel welcome to come and visit us!
