Alpine solar systems can combat snow accumulation with new method

Researchers in Switzerland have developed a novel computational model to study snow accumulation patterns and their impact on photovoltaic (PV) performance in alpine environments. Focusing on the Helioplant system—a patented vertical solar framing structure from Austria—the study demonstrates that while alpine solar installations benefit from sunlight reflected by snow, excessive snow buildup can block panels, reducing efficiency and risking damage. The vertical design of Helioplant, featuring a cross-shaped frame with four solar wings, passively minimizes snow accumulation. Using Snowbedfoam, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model tailored to simulate snow transport, researchers conducted sensitivity analyses and field tests to optimize system parameters such as module height, spacing, grouping, and alignment relative to prevailing winds. Key findings suggest that maintaining a gap of more than 0.6 meters between the modules and the ground and aligning the structures with prevailing wind directions significantly reduces snow buildup by preventing sheltered zones where snow can accumulate. Grouping units together also decreases snow erosion on the cross structure. The