by Ann Vikkelsø, OVE

Solar 91, a Swiss working partnership for promotion of solar energy, in 1980 bunched the nationwide action "Solar 1991 - for an energy independent Swikerland" to take place in 1991, which is the 700 anniversary of Switzerland.

The partnership has members from all Swiss cantons, and they work professionally with solar energy at the local level. They want to mobilize the utilization of the big solar energy potential in Switzerland, which is today very dependent on imported fuels - 80% is imported. In Swhzerland h is possible to cover 100% of the energy consumption in commercial and housing buildings by solar energy, by installing solar systems at the roofs.

The aim of the project was to plan, project or install 700 solar heat or power plants at the size of 1 kW - 1 MW before August the 1st 1992. The goal was reached, as there were installed 789 scar systems.

For the future the aim is that there are installed solar systems providing heat or electricity in all Swiss hamlets before year 2000.

Source: ''Aktionsbericht der Schweizer Aktion 'Solar 91"' by Gallus Cadonau, project leader of "Solar 91" and vice-chairman of EUROSOLAR. Das Solarzehalter, Heft 1/1992, EUROSOLAR, Plittersdorfer Str. 103, Postfach 120618, 5300 Bonn, Germany.