Satellite dishes get new life, hosting solar panels for data center – Balkan Green Energy News

Repurposing Satellite Dishes for Solar Energy: A Sustainable Innovation in Switzerland

Introduction

CKW, a Swiss provider of integrated energy and building technology solutions, in collaboration with smart energy technology firm SolarEdge, has successfully converted disused satellite dishes at the premises of telecom service provider Leuk TDC into solar energy generators. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Project Overview

1. Location: Leuk, Switzerland
2. Infrastructure: Two satellite dishes, each fitted with 307 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels
3. Energy Output: Each dish generates approximately 110 MWh of clean energy annually
4. Additional Systems: Rooftop solar installation on the main data center building producing an additional 555 MWh per year
5. Energy Source Integration: Data center powered entirely by renewable energy, including hydroelectric power plants

Technological Innovation and Efficiency

The project overcame significant technical challenges related to shading and complex panel orientation by employing SolarEdge’s DC-optimized inverter solution with Power Optimizers. This technology maximizes energy yield by mitigating the effects of module mismatch and shading, which are common issues in traditional string inverter systems.

• Challenge: Shadows on uneven surfaces reduce solar panel efficiency.
• Solution: Power Optimizers attached to each pair of solar panels convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) efficiently.
• Outcome: Enhanced energy production and design flexibility for complex solar installations.

Manuel Jossi, Deputy Head of Solar Technology for Central Switzerland at CKW, emphasized the importance of planning and collaboration to overcome technical challenges in such innovative projects.

Utilizing Existing Infrastructure for Sustainable Development

The repurposing of obsolete satellite dishes contributes to multiple SDGs by:

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Generating renewable energy to meet the data center’s power needs.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Innovatively adapting existing infrastructure for sustainable energy production.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Reducing waste by reusing obsolete satellite dishes.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Lowering carbon footprint through 100% renewable energy usage.

John Harris, CEO of Leuk TDC, highlighted the strategic advantage of utilizing the satellite dishes’ ability to track the sun’s movement, thereby maximizing solar power output and enhancing financial stability by reducing dependency on variable grid electricity costs.

Conclusion

This project exemplifies how innovative reuse of existing infrastructure can contribute significantly to sustainable development goals by promoting clean energy, technological innovation, and climate action. It serves as a model for similar initiatives aiming to integrate renewable energy solutions within existing industrial frameworks.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the installation of solar panels on disused satellite dishes and the use of hydropower to meet the data center’s energy needs with 100% renewable energy.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The project involves innovative repurposing of obsolete infrastructure (satellite dishes) for solar energy generation, highlighting sustainable industrial innovation.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Repurposing existing satellite dishes instead of disposing of them aligns with sustainable consumption and production practices.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The shift to renewable energy sources reduces carbon emissions and supports climate change mitigation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7 Targets
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for SDG 7.2
   • Amount of renewable energy generated (e.g., 110 MWh per dish per year, 555 MWh rooftop solar system output).
   • Percentage of electricity demand covered by renewable energy (100% renewable energy for the data center).
2. Indicator for SDG 7.3
   • Energy efficiency improvements through use of DC-optimized inverter solutions mitigating shading effects and maximizing output.
3. Indicator for SDG 9.4
   • Number of obsolete infrastructures repurposed for renewable energy generation (e.g., satellite dishes converted to solar PV systems).
4. Indicator for SDG 12.5
   • Reduction in waste by reusing satellite dishes instead of disposal.
5. Indicator for SDG 13.2
   • Implementation of renewable energy projects contributing to climate action.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: balkangreenenergynews.com