China Builds Solar Power Station on Everest, World’s Highest Installation

China has officially built a solar power station in the Mount Everest National Park area at an altitude of around 4,300 meters. With a capacity of 150 kilowatts (kW), the facility is claimed to be the highest-altitude solar power and electric vehicle charging station in the world.

The project uses N-type bifacial panels from Aiko Solar, capable of capturing sunlight from both sides, combined with liquid cooling technology provided by Huawei Digital Power. This technology allows the panels to operate more efficiently in the extreme conditions of the Himalayas.

Construction faced significant challenges. Low oxygen levels at high altitude reduced worker productivity, while extreme weather — including snowstorms, hail, and sudden climate shifts — often halted operations. Additionally, transporting materials such as 645-watt dual-glass modules and heavy equipment required highly complex logistics.

An Aiko Solar spokesperson told PV Magazine: “The charging station is designed with a structure that accommodates 20 parking spaces, with 3 main chargers and 4.6 kW supercharging guns. The PV system is an off-grid installation. The carport structure integrates solar panels to maximize space and efficiency.”

The company further claimed that the system is the world’s highest solar-powered supercharging station, part of the “Sichuan-Tibet Highway Supercharging Green Corridor” project along National Route 318.

“This initiative supports over 1 million tourists each year, tackling range anxiety for electric vehicle owners who venture into this high-altitude region known for its dramatic landscapes but limited charging infrastructure,” the company said in a statement.

According to Ecoticias, the project not only produces electricity but also supports sustainable tourism. By providing sufficient charging infrastructure, the facility is expected to significantly reduce pollution from vehicles used by tourists.

The initiative has drawn global attention. Building a solar plant at the world’s highest peak is seen as a strong signal that renewable energy can be deployed even in the most geographically challenging regions.

Analysts believe the success of the Everest project could pave the way for similar technologies in other extreme locations such as deserts, polar regions, and remote islands. Innovations like bifacial panels and liquid cooling systems are expected to become new standards in overcoming future clean energy challenges. (Wage Erlangga)