They don't have grid access, photovoltaics will help. Solar panels are being installed on mountain chalets.

Mountain chalets are increasingly using solar energy for electricity generation. Due to the inaccessible terrain, it is not possible to connect them to the electricity grid, so they have primarily used diesel generators to generate electricity up until now. However, these are noisy, logistically demanding for fuel supply, and pollute the environment. Therefore, they are gradually being replaced by solar systems. One of the first steps was the installation of an off-grid photovoltaic system at the Zbojnícka Chata (Zbojnícka Chalet) back in 2022. As reported by Slovenské elektrárne - energetické služby (Slovak Power Plants - Energy Services) in a press release, the current project, launched in the High Tatras and the Krkonoše Mountains (Giant Mountains), is intended to build upon this initiative.

Solar panels were also carried by porters
Solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels have experienced a boom in recent years, and demand for them is growing. They are also finding application in extreme conditions and atypical installations. The conditions are challenging at mountain chalets as well, where the existing diesel generators are to be replaced by photovoltaics with battery storage. Diesel will remain at the chalets as a backup source. "Our ambition is for mountain chalets to operate ecologically, quietly, and reliably. The transition to solar energy with accumulation will reduce the number of helicopter fuel deliveries and stabilize operation even outside the main season. We are building on projects that are already working in the Tatras and expanding them where it makes the most sense for both nature and visitors," explained Martin Kumpan, CEO of Slovenské elektrárne Česká republika and Slovenské elektrárne – energetické služby. The solar system on the mountain chalets is designed to withstand weather fluctuations even in extreme conditions. The system has anchoring for wind and snow, as well as installed intelligent consumption management. According to the contractor, the battery capacity is set so that the diesel generator is activated only exceptionally. Preparations for the expansion of the solar system at Zbojnícka Chata began in the summer. Part of the system has been operating here since 2022 and, according to the power company, it reduces annual emissions by approximately 15.5 tons of CO2. The mountain chalets are located in difficult terrain, so sensitive components of the solar system had to be carried up by mountain porters. Heavy batteries and structures were brought by helicopter. The power company planned the installation of the systems for the autumn, with their assembly dependent on the weather and permitting processes. After installation, the chalets will undergo a trial operation.

Solar thermal collectors are also helping
Thermal systems – solar collectors – are also finding application in non-traditional conditions. A thermal system can also be found, for example, on Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze in the Alps, which is located at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters above sea level. The collectors are placed 300 meters below the summit. The installation of solar collectors for water heating in one of the Austrian hotels is also unusual. The collectors are placed on the balconies instead of the roof. The installation of collectors at the ZOO in Ostrava was also a challenge. One of the requirements was for one of the collectors placed on the pavilion roof to be shaped like a hippopotamus.

Source: www.energie-portal.sk