Resource description:
The Swiss SolarWind Explorer (SSWE) is a web-based spatial decision support system designed to identify suitable areas for ground-mounted photovoltaic and wind energy installations across Switzerland. The tool harmonizes Swiss-wide geospatial datasets on a 50 m grid and applies a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework that combines binary exclusion criteria, derived from legal and technical constraints, with weighted suitability criteria for energy, biodiversity, and landscape.
Users can interactively adjust both components: the relative weighting of the suitability criteria, and the thresholds of exclusion criteria, such as annual and winter energy production potential, infrastructure and grid accessibility, and areas protected for biodiversity or landscape value. This allows different planning scenarios to be explored, and the resulting trade-offs can be visualized. Suitability maps are normalized between 0 and 1 and can be downloaded for further processing in GIS software.
By making data, methods, and assumptions transparent, SSWE supports evidence-based spatial planning, stakeholder discussions, and renewable energy policy development. It is intended as a decision-support tool rather than an automated planning instrument, with the aim of advancing renewable energy expansion under consideration of biodiversity and landscape aspects.
Author/Contact:
Reusser, M., Sieber, P., Robaina, O., Schwaab, J.& Grêt-Regamey, A. (2025).
Developed within the MOSAIC project.
Uses of this resource:
End-users:
- Cantonal and regional planning authorities
- Energy planners and consultants
- Renewable energy developers
- NGOs and environmental organizations
- Students and the interested public