Snow melting and economic efficiency in practice for PVT modules
Fabian Maag and Marc Willi win the regional Siemens Excellence Award 2024 for their innovative bachelor thesis on maximising winter electricity through snow-free PVT modules. Their findings show considerable potential for increasing the electricity yield by melting snow.
In their award-winning bachelor’s thesis at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Fabian Maag and Marc Willi investigate the potential of photovoltaic thermal modules to increase winter electricity production. The PVT modules from Sunmaxx PVT GmbH use liquid heating to melt snow off the modules and thus increase the electricity yield. Their measurements show that the targeted melting of snow can increase electricity production in winter by an average of 34%.
Efficiency through snow melting
The study showed that the combination of a higher inlet temperature and continuous melting during snowfall is particularly effective in minimising snow cover. This method proves particularly effective in snowy regions and also at lower altitudes, as the additional electricity yield always exceeds the required melting energy.
Economic profitability
The profitability analysis shows that the additional costs for installing a PVT system through snow melting are amortised from an electricity price of CHF 0.39/kWh. PVT modules are therefore not only technically but also economically attractive, particularly in regions with high snowfall.
Recognising and promoting young talent
Maag and Willi were honoured with the regional Siemens Excellence Award for their practice-oriented and forward-looking work and have been nominated for the national Siemens Excellence Award 2025. Gerd Scheller, Country CEO of Siemens Switzerland, emphasises the importance of promoting young talent: “With the Excellence Award, we want to motivate young people to work on scientific topics that can be put into practice.”
Future prospects in STEM
The Siemens Excellence Award is part of the “Future Creators” programme, which promotes dialogue with the next generation and supports young talent in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Gerd Scheller emphasises: “With this commitment, we support young people in their development and training and help them to make the most of their future opportunities.”
Maag and Willi’s work provides valuable insights into the use of PVT modules to increase the efficiency of winter electricity production. Their findings not only contribute to the scientific debate, but also offer practical solutions to the challenges of the energy transition.