A new altitude record has just been broken in the Everestan extreme and privileged environment in which it is essential take care of the environment and in which it has been possible for zero-emission vehicles can recharge at a solar station at more than 4,300 meters above sea level above sea level.
Innovation and technology have joined hands on the roof of the world, in the Everest National Park, taking a giant and sustainable step by successfully feeding the highest solar charging station in the world.
The challenge of overcoming this altitude barrier has been possible thanks to the incorporation of Aiko’s N-type ABC solar modules, which together with Huawei Digital Power’s liquid cooling technology, have managed to set a new standard for green energy solutions in extreme environments.
Charging station on Everest
For the Aiko company, “a giant step has been taken in sustainable development” by successfully participating in this new milestone of powering the Everest charging station.
This new installation is part of the project Sichuan-Tibet Highway Supercharging Green Corridor (Sichuan-Tibet Highway Supercharging Green Corridor) along National Route 318.
The corridor, through which they travel more than a million tourists every yearsolves the problem of lack of autonomy for electric vehicle owners who venture into this high-altitude area known for its spectacular landscapes, but with limited charging infrastructure.
A hostile environment
The project overcame extensive challenges that this type of installations pose at this altitude and with an environment that is not favorable for its operation. These barriers are really significant, since the inclement weatherfrom hailstorms and blizzards to powerful winds, coupled with high levels of solar radiation, make the environment completely unpredictable.
Additionally, altitude, intense cold, and snow loads pose serious risks to any solar system. In this harsh context, Aiko’s N-type ABC modules were selected for their micro-tear resistancehigh efficiency and great performance both in high exposure to UVA rays and in low temperatures.
Solar charging station in Everest National Park
Most extreme conditions
To cope with unpredictable weather, solar modules are capable of withstand extreme temperature differences up to 40℃ and large hail storms.
So far, their drivers confirm that they have passed IEC HF reliability tests and performance tests up to 4 times. hailobtaining PVEL certification with 50 mm hail stones.
Another of the great challenges lies in overcoming the high altitude and exposure to UV rays. The location suffers from areas with high exposure to ultraviolet radiation They can cause deterioration of the encapsulant of the modules. In this sense, the Aiko company has passed the IEC UV reliability tests four times, guaranteeing the longevity of its modules under these conditions.
Against wind and snow
At this altitude, logistical and installation challenges must be faced in difficult environments, such as wind gusts and snow loadswhich affect its durability. After installation, the ABC modules have obtained excellent results in the DML+TC reliability tests, with reliability and resistance to micro-breaks.
To minimize the effects of partial shading and reduce hot spot temperatures, a key feature in mountains with uneven terrain, these modules are optimized to overcome what is called the “hot spot effect», providing greater safety against fires.
Mount Everest
More electricity
As altitude increases, air density and atmospheric pressure decrease, weakening the insulation properties in solar modules. Thanks to the insulation properties, Aiko has passed the IEC high voltage test 1.5 times to ensure its performance at these altitudes.
And, despite all the unfavorable conditions for the installation of the infrastructure for solar charging of electric vehicles, it has been possible for the ABC modules generate 6% to 10% more electricity per square meter maximizing production in areas where there is no electricity.
Sustainable future in remote areas
This project exemplifies Aiko’s mission to bring clean energy to places too most remote and desert on the planet. By generating 236,800 kWh of clean energy annually, the Everest charging station reduces the carbon footprint caused by trips to this emblematic region.
This spirit is complemented by the company’s vision of a society emission free so that development and environmental protection coexist peacefully.
