Second Life for Satellite Dishes: Innovative PV Installation in Switzerland
Old satellite dishes from the 1970s have been given a second life as modern solar installations. Swiss company CKW, in collaboration with SolarEdge and Leuk TDC, has launched a pioneering project that could inspire the renewable energy sector worldwide.
In the town of Leuk, Switzerland, where satellite signals once landed, sunlight now reigns. Telecommunications provider Leuk TDC took a bold step by converting unused satellite dishes at its data center into innovative photovoltaic installations. The project was realized in partnership with CKW, a Swiss energy solutions provider, and SolarEdge, a leader in smart solar technology.
From space signals to solar power
The idea stemmed from necessity—Leuk TDC’s data center is energy-intensive, and the company has long prioritized sustainable power sources. Until now, hydropower was the main source of energy. Now, solar power has joined the mix, creating a synergy that allows the entire facility to run 100% on renewable energy.
Two massive satellite dishes from 1972 were each fitted with 307 photovoltaic modules, generating around 110,000 kWh of clean energy annually per dish. Additionally, a traditional rooftop PV installation on the data center provides another 555,000 kWh per year. Altogether, the site now produces over 775,000 kWh of green energy annually—enough to fully cover its energy needs.
Technology that overcomes challenges
Installing panels on satellite dishes wasn’t easy. Their curved surfaces, complex geometry, and varying tilt angles posed significant challenges for efficient energy generation. Traditional string inverters wouldn’t handle shading and uneven sunlight well—one weaker panel could reduce the output of the entire system.
The solution came from SolarEdge technology. Each pair of modules was equipped with power optimizers that operate independently, maximizing output from each panel regardless of its conditions. As Manuel Jossi from CKW explained:
“Without the optimizers, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this level of energy production. Designing PV systems for irregular surfaces takes time, knowledge, and precision, but the results are worth it.”
Dishes that track the sun
A major advantage of the old antennas is their mobility—they can rotate both vertically and horizontally, tracking the sun’s position. This extends energy production throughout the day, significantly outperforming traditional static PV installations. The combination of a movable platform and power optimizers results in exceptional system efficiency.
“We always knew the dishes had potential,” said John Harris, CEO of Leuk TDC. “Now we’re generating more energy than a typical PV system—thanks to the creative use of existing infrastructure.”
Green transformation benefits both climate and finances
The project not only reduces CO₂ emissions and supports the company’s environmental goals, but also boosts its energy independence and financial stability. In today’s market, resilience to fluctuating grid energy prices is as crucial as environmental stewardship.
Leuk TDC plans to continue investing in renewable energy, and the success of its “solar dishes” could serve as a model for similar projects in other countries and sectors.