[zdragnar]

The article says they're currently powered from a grid connection but hope to be fully solar powered soon.

What I'm not getting is how this process produces more energy than the solar input to power the process.

Unless they're getting solar collectors to try to generate 400 degree temperatures rather than PV solar to electricity, but that seems like a sketchy proposition at best in winter.

[MadDemon]

It does not, but they are storing the energy for winter. Solar produces a lot more energy in summer, which is especially true in Switzerland or Europe in general.

[mark-r]

The difference depends on your latitude. On the equator the seasons won't make a difference, above the arctic circle you'll get diddly-squat from your panels in the winter during the endless night. Switzerland is at 47 degrees, not quite arctic circle but far enough north to see a huge difference.