Optimizing snow distribution in alpine PV systems: CFD-based design guidelines for power plant layout

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic installations in mountainous regions, or alpine PV, benefit from the high albedo of snow, which enhances terrain-reflected irradiance. However, snow accumulation can also cause electricity production losses and structural damage by covering or burying PV modules and supporting structures. HELIOPLANT® is an innovative design for PV power plants, featuring a cross structure with four vertical wings, each containing four PV modules arranged symmetrically around the center. Observations suggest that this design is self-regulating and passively prevents snow accumulation within the enclosed wing area. This prevents PV modules from being buried by snow, minimizing electricity loss and damage. This study evaluates the impact of the Helioplant design on local snow distribution patterns using the numerical snow transport model, snowBedFoam. The analysis considers intrinsic Helioplant parameters (azimuth, height-above-surface) and the spatial arrangement of multiple units (interspace, group size, alignment). Key findings show that grouping units together reduces the erosion capacity of the cross structure. In grouped units, the most noticeable erosion occurs in the first row facing the prevailing wind, while subsequent rows experience less erosion due to sheltering by the upwind panels. Increasing the interspace reduces this protection, leading to greater wind exposure and enhanced erosion, which is beneficial. A staggered row alignment significantly enhances snow erosion in the second row. These findings provide initial guidelines for designing Helioplant-based PV plants, with future research focusing on sloped terrains and PV yield evaluation.