10/25/2026
Switzerland Turned an Alpine Dam Into a Solar Power Plant—8,200 Feet Above Sea Level. ☀️🏔️
Nearly 5,000 solar panels line the Muttsee dam in the Swiss Alps, putting an existing concrete wall to work generating renewable electricity.
The project, called AlpinSolar, uses its mountain setting to its advantage: less lowland fog, snow that reflects extra sunlight onto the panels, and a steep surface that helps snow slide away.
Developed by Axpo and IWB and fully operational since 2022, the installation produces around 3 million kilowatt-hours annually.
It was designed to generate nearly half its annual solar electricity during the winter half-year—when Switzerland particularly needs additional power.
Could solar-covered dams help other mountainous countries strengthen their winter electricity supply?