dhp Technology has commissioned what it terms the world’s largest foldable solar roof system in Switzerland
It is a 3.6 MW system that spans 20,000 m² and is designed to produce around 3 GWh of electricity annually
The company claims its foldable Horizon solar roof design protects modules from harsh weather and reduces material use by up to 50%
Switzerland has become home to the world’s ‘largest foldable’ solar roof system with dhp Technology installing it over the clear basin of ARA Thunersee Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) in the Canton of Bern.
The project, with 3.6 MW capacity installed on over 20,000 m² area, is designed to generate around 3 GWh of clean electricity annually. This will be enough to satisfy the electricity needs of 700 households. It will abate 1/3rd of the WTP’s grid electricity supply.
It uses dhp’s proprietary Horizon solar folding roof, designed to conserve land and space, while improving the economic viability of the area.
It comprises a cable-based support structure and a patented folding mechanism. Modules are suspended from cables in folding roof assemblies. In case of strong winds, hail, or snowfall, the Horizon roof can automatically move into a protected position.
The movable components are made up of stainless steel or special plastics. The use of galvanized steel with an additional anti-corrosion coating forms its supporting structure. The company claims the Horizon roof reduces material usage by up to 50% compared to similarly sized fixed systems.
According to dhp, the project is supported by the European Commission, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), and the Swiss Climate Foundation.