Switzerland Unveils World’s Largest Foldable solar roof
Switzerland has marked a major milestone in renewable energy with the inauguration of the world’s largest foldable solar roof at the ARA Thunersee wastewater treatment plant. Located near Lake Thun in the Canton of Bern, this pioneering solar installation is a first of its kind in the country, boasting an impressive capacity of 3.6 MW.
Pioneering Dual-Use Solar Technology with Foldable solar roof
The innovative solar roof, known as “HORIZON,” was developed by the Swiss-based company DHP Technology, a specialist in foldable solar systems. The installation at Thunersee is engineered to cover the facility’s treatment basins, enabling a highly efficient dual use of the site: continuing wastewater treatment at ground level while generating clean solar power overhead. This approach is designed to produce a substantial amount of electricity annually, covering a significant portion of the energy-intensive plant’s needs and maximizing land-use efficiency—a critical consideration in densely populated countries like Switzerland and Germany.
A Collaborative Construction Feat of Foldable solar roof
The solar roof was constructed in collaboration with Helion, a company based in Zuchwil, which managed the complex installation process. Spanning several of the plant’s large basins, the project required meticulous planning to integrate the photovoltaic system without disrupting the essential operations of the wastewater treatment facility.
Designed for Durability and Efficiency of Foldable solar roof
The foldable solar roof is constructed from specially selected solar panel raw materials that are both lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Its unique, patented design allows the entire structure to retract like an accordion when needed. This functionality is crucial for protecting the system from the strong winds and heavy snowfall common in alpine regions. Furthermore, the foldable design allows for easy maintenance and access to the infrastructure below. This adaptability showcases how the basics of solar panel manufacturing are evolving to create solutions for challenging environments.
Expanding Applications to Urban Spaces with Foldable solar roof
Beyond the groundbreaking installation at Thunersee, DHP Technology has also demonstrated the versatility of this technology with a 2.2 MW foldable solar carport at the La Poste car park in Daillens, Switzerland. This installation features 4,180 modules and is expected to produce 2.2 million kWh of electricity per year, showcasing another practical application for dual-use solar.
The Smart Advantage of Foldable solar roof Systems
The retractable feature of these solar systems offers dynamic benefits. In the case of the carport, it provides shade for vehicles during sunny days and can retract at night or during adverse weather conditions, ensuring long-term durability and operational efficiency. For industrial sites like the ARA Thunersee plant, it ensures that vital equipment remains accessible for maintenance while still serving as a powerful energy generator.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Energy Integration with Foldable solar roof
The installation of the foldable solar roof at the ARA Thunersee plant is a significant leap forward in Switzerland’s strategy to expand its renewable energy capacity. The innovative design and functionality of the system make it an ideal solution for regions with challenging weather and limited available land. The successful implementation of this project demonstrates the immense potential for foldable solar technology to play a key role in the global transition to renewable energy. It provides a powerful blueprint for integrating reliable and efficient power generation into existing infrastructure, a model that holds great promise for homeowners and industries across Germany looking to optimize their own spaces for solar production. The advanced solar panel manufacturing process behind these modules is key to unlocking such innovative applications.
To learn more about the fundamentals of solar energy and how you can get involved, consider enrolling in our free solar e-course.
