dhp technology AG is a start-up founded in 2015 specialising in leading-edge power generation that is renewable and value-adding at a local level. It develops, produces and sells the unique folding solar roof – a world first – and sees immense potential for solar power production in the dual use of industrial areas. dhp technology oversees the entire process from planning to installation, commissioning and annual maintenance; it also manages the power generation at an operational level.

Based on a sophisticated folding mechanism, the unique folding solar roof unfolds within a minute over the large sludge treatment basins of the Eich wastewater treatment plant in Bassersdorf. Consisting of 1024 monocrystalline solar panels arranged in 28 rows, the 333 kWp array supplies the plant with electricity. 

Roof retraction and extension is determined by a weather forecasting algorithm in combination with a weather station that measures the on-site wind strength, precipitation and temperature. The system is controlled by a Siemens S7-1500. sf elektro-engineering AG in Flums, a long-standing Siemens Solution Partner, was responsible for the control system’s electrical engineering and programming. 

• SIMATIC S7-1500     
• TIA Portal WinCC Professional

dhp technology is based in Zizers, Canton Graubünden and currently employs 28 people. Its manufacturing activities have been fully automated since 2019. Its folding solar roof won it the Swiss Solar Prize in 2019 and the “Watt d’Or 2019” sponsored by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. dhp technology receives EU support and was awarded a two-year grant under the EU’s Horizon 2020 Accelerator programme.