DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Valais Solar Cluster

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
—°10
Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)

Weather…

In recent years, the Canton of Valais has developed into a leading competence center for solar technology in the Alps. Favored by high solar radiation in the high Alps and the existing hydropower infrastructure, groundbreaking large-scale photovoltaic projects are emerging here. A prominent example is the AlpinSolar plant on the Muttsee dam wall, which gained global attention for its efficiency under extreme conditions. The Valais energy strategy aims to close the winter power gap using alpine solar plants, as these deliver particularly high yields during the cold season due to snow reflection and clear air. In addition to energy production, the canton promotes research and development through institutions like HES-SO Valais-Wallis. These projects are economically significant for mountain regions as they generate new revenue streams for municipalities and drive technological innovations in sustainable infrastructure. Valais is thus positioning itself as a pioneer of the Swiss energy transition.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10-10-6-148101062-4-9
Rain mm6350637010997969968729168

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Valais Solar Cluster is developing into a leading center for solar technology in the Alps, particularly through highly efficient alpine installations. It significantly drives the energy transition in Switzerland.
🚪
Visiting
Some of the alpine solar installations are accessible via hiking trails, but most are not directly accessible for safety reasons. From the surrounding mountain peaks and viewpoints, the glistening modules can be easily spotted.
👀
Where to view it
From the Gornergrat or the Eggishorn, there is a spectacular view of several solar fields in the Valais Alps. The mountain road to the Great St. Bernard Pass also has impressive views of the facilities.
🧺
Local products
In the Valais region, in addition to solar modules, regional specialties such as Valais dried meat and wine are produced. Travelers can purchase energy-efficient products and food at local farm shops.
📆
Active season
The solar installations produce electricity all year round, with peak production in summer during long solar radiation. In winter, the alpine facilities benefit from snow reflection and often also produce well.
➕
Nearby
A visit to the solar installations can be excellently combined with a hike on the Europaweg or an excursion to the Aletsch Glacier. The towns of Brig and Visp also offer cultural additions.

Geography

Coordinates
46.22390, 7.36210

Facts

  • Valais records over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year.
  • AlpinSolar on the Muttsee dam wall produces approx. 3.3 GWh per year.
  • Alpine plants deliver up to 50% of their annual yield in winter.
  • The planned large-scale plant in Gondo will cover 80,000 m² of solar panels.
  • HES-SO Valais employs over 150 researchers in the energy sector.
  • Investments of several hundred million francs in solar infrastructure.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SionSion1 km · NExplore →
ContheyConthey4 km · WExplore →
SavièseSavièse5 km · NExplore →
NendazNendaz7 km · SWExplore →
AnzèreAnzère8 km · NExplore →
Crans-MontanaCrans-Montana13 km · NEExplore →
Grande Dixence Power PlantGrande Dixence Power Plant15 km · SExplore →
SierreSierre15 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Valais Solar Cluster (10)

Centre pédagogique pour la prévention en cas de séismes (CPPS)🏛 museum

The educational center in Sion provides information on earthquake prevention.

Le Port Franc

Le Port Franc is an arts and culture center in Sion.

Maison du Diable🏛 museum

Maison du Diable in Sion is a museum.

🕒 We-Fr 16:00-20:00; Sa 14:00-18:00; Su 11:00-15:00💶

Église du Sacré-Coeur

The Sacré-Coeur church in Sion is a church building in the canton of Valais.

Real Fly

Real Fly is an attraction in Sion.

Maison Supersaxo

The house in Sion is a historic building in the canton of Valais.

Grand Pont

Grand Pont is a gallery in Sion.

Eglise des Jésuites

The Jesuit church in Sion is a church building in the canton of Valais.

Le Spot

Le Spot is a theatre in Sion.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where can you find solar installations in Valais?
Often on dams, on roofs in mountain villages, or as floating installations on reservoirs.
Why is Valais ideal for solar energy?
It is the sunniest canton in Switzerland with many sunshine hours per year.
Are there guided solar tours?
Some municipalities and energy providers offer tours of flagship projects.
What is the floating solar plant at Lac des Toules?
The world's first high-alpine floating solar plant at over 1,800 meters altitude.
Can private households benefit from it?
Yes, the canton strongly supports the expansion of photovoltaics on private roofs.
Valais Solar Cluster: where is it located?
Valais Solar Cluster is located in Switzerland.
Valais Solar Cluster: what is there to see?
Highlights include Centre pédagogique pour la prévention en cas de séismes (CPPS), Le Port Franc, Théâtre Indocile.
Valais Solar Cluster: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Valais Solar Cluster: why is it worth visiting?
In recent years, the Canton of Valais has developed into a leading competence center for solar technology in the Alps.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Switzerland →

Nearby cities

Köniz — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Köniz
Köniz is a municipality located directly south of Bern.
La Chaux-de-Fonds — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
La Chaux-de-Fonds
The city in the Canton of Neuchâtel is the primary center of the Swiss watchmaking industry.
Neuchâtel — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Neuchâtel
The capital of the eponymous canton is located on the northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel.
Emmen — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Emmen
Emmen is a significant city in the Canton of Lucerne.
Yverdon-les-Bains — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Yverdon-les-Bains
This city is located at the southwestern end of Lake Neuchâtel and is famous for its thermal springs.
Lancy — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Lancy
Lancy is a city in the Canton of Geneva and part of the Geneva metropolitan area.
Bulle — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Bulle
Bulle is the economic center of the Gruyère region in the Canton of Fribourg.
Bulle-La Tour — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Bulle-La Tour
Bulle is located in the canton of Fribourg in the Gruyère region.
Renens — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Renens
Renens is a city in the Canton of Vaud and part of the Lausanne metropolitan area.
Vevey — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Vevey
Vevey is located on Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud.
Meyrin — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Meyrin
Meyrin is a municipality in the Canton of Geneva.
Carouge — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Carouge
Carouge is a city in the Canton of Geneva, directly adjacent to the city of Geneva.
Martigny — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Martigny
Martigny is located in Lower Valais at the confluence of the Drance valley and the Rhône.
Nyon — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Nyon
Nyon is located on Lake Geneva in the Canton of Vaud.
Solothurn — Valais Solar Cluster (Switzerland)
Solothurn
Solothurn is considered the most beautiful Baroque city in Switzerland.