Renewable Energy Part I: solarUp Energie GmbH

On this October morning in Saanen, the glistening sun is reflected in the countless solar panels of the new chalet. Christoph Ogi, founder and, together with business partner Max Brand, owner of the Gstaad-based solar provider solarUp Energie GmbH, steps safely over the narrow footbridge that leads to the roof of the house. His employees are already kneeling there, wiring and assembling the panels. "Solar energy has always fascinated me," says the Saanen native. "The fact that you can produce electricity from sunlight is a technological miracle." According to energy experts, solar energy offers the greatest potential within renewable energy in Switzerland. So it's hardly surprising that solarUp Energie's business is flourishing. "We currently have to see that we can handle all inquiries," he says.

Even though the technological development of solar panels has come a long way, the weather and changing seasons remain a challenge. "There is no denying that we have to live with power losses in the winter months. But thanks to the intense sunshine in the mountains, annual yields here are still excellent." The amount of electricity provided by a fully equipped solar roof is impressive, then. "The roof we are standing on annually throws off more electricity than 10 families of four consume per year," says Ogi. For the solar expert it is therefore also clear that now regarding the energy crisis must be expanded vigorously. "Existing commercial and agricultural buildings in particular offer large-scale expansion potential," says Ogi. "The important thing now is simply to start implementing quickly."