Integrating Alpine Photovoltaic Technology into EnergyScope: A Case Study of Switzerland’s Energy System

This study utilizes the EnergyScope model developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) to investigate the integration of Alpine solar power and other photovoltaic (PV) technologies in the Swiss energy system. The model incorporates a comprehensive characterization of four distinct PV technologies linked to different grid voltage levels (LV, MV, HV, EHV). The findings reveal that the inclusion of Alpine solar power, alongside other PV technologies, results in a slightly more cost-effective energy system. The capacity of natural gas storage is significantly influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of Alpine solar power. Furthermore, solar technologies exhibit a high degree of resilience to cost variations, with Alpine PV demonstrating a complementary relationship with other PV technologies rather than direct competition. The optimal installed capacity, ranging from 3 to 5.25 GW, aligns with previous studies led on Alpine PV.