The resort of Tenna in Switzerland has become only the second resort in the world to offer a solar powered lift. Westendorf in Austria was the first with a solar powered rope tow and Tenna has trumped them with the first chair lift.
The photovoltaic panels have a capacity of 90,000 kWh and with the chairlift using 22,000 kWh they will provide enough energy to power three lift solely with solar power. The solar panels have been incorporated into the lift, meaning no need to use additional land and can be removed for snow clearing. The resort are hoping that even on overcast days they will be able to still produce enough energy to run the lift.
With resorts such as Meribel using hydro-electric power could this be the start of eco-friendly revolution on how ski resorts are run?