Mountainous regions with rather low temperatures and high solar irradiation values are actually ideal for photovoltaics, but conventional PV systems are often covered with snow during the winter months and produce little yield. Not so with the folding solar roof: it retracts automatically in the event of snowfall. As soon as the weather permits, it unfolds again and continues to produce – a revolutionary concept for the production of solar power in winter. Existing infrastructure areas such as sewage treatment plants or car parks can be roofed over and given a second function with the additional solar power production. In addition, a common problem with photovoltaics is that the electricity generated is not used when it is generated. Infrastructure-integrated photovoltaics can help. 

The folding solar roof produces electrical energy and at the same time provides shade for the parked cars. If you travel by electric car, you can use the electric charging stations in the car park. A Simatic S7-1500 controls the operation of the roof on site. Local visualisation and operation of the system is ensured with the Simatic HMI Comfort Panel. The control system is based on TIA Portal WinCC. The TIA Portal Step7 Safety Integrated option ensures the necessary safety. From digital planning to integrated engineering and transparent operation, the TIA Portal engineering tool enables increased system productivity as well as a wide range of diagnostic and energy management functions.