Zurich Airport is testing out an innovative new way to make solar power: vertical solar fences. The Swiss airport, which already uses rooftop solar panels, has now installed upright solar panels on a security fence near its heating facility.
The solar arrays generate power from both sides, capturing sunlight throughout the day. That dual-sided design can boost power output by 10 to 30% compared to traditional flat panels. Plus, they double as functional fences.
The trial is part of Zurich Airport’s broader push to generate more of its own electricity from renewable sources. “In this initial phase, we aim to gain experience with vertical solar systems and assess whether this technology could be suitable for additional locations, such as parking areas,” said Guido Hünil, head of energy and decarbonization at Zurich Airport. The test will run for at least a year to account for seasonal changes in sunlight.
Zurich Airport already gets all of its purchased electricity from renewable sources. But it wants to ramp up its own solar production in a big way. The goal is nearly 20 times more solar power by 2040 compared to 2024.
“This will not only boost renewable energy production but also enhance our energy self-sufficiency,” Hünil added.
Right now, solar panels are installed on 12 airport buildings, including Dock E and the roof of The Circle complex. A recent study found that 40 more rooftops – including some on buildings yet to be constructed – could also host solar. Any new solar panels will need to avoid creating glare that could interfere with pilots and air traffic control.
Top comment by Spec9
Solar PV is so cheap now that it makes sense all sorts of places where it didn't in past. Many houses that had tree shading didn't make much sense in the past. But now as long as the shading leaves the peak time open, it can make sense even if there is significant shading in the morning and/or evening.
By 2040, Zurich Airport expects its solar systems will generate enough electricity to power about 5,000 Swiss households annually.
Read more: A Swiss startup is mounting solar panels on used wind turbine blades
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