When sun protection becomes a power plant
The plus-energy building in Schlatt (Widnau) shows how photovoltaic sliding shutters unite architecture, sustainability and electricity generation.
With the new SolarSlide photovoltaic sliding shutter, Schenker Storen, together with its subsidiary EHRET, has launched a product that combines aesthetic sun protection with an efficient source of energy. Even before its official market launch, this innovative solution was already being used for the first time on a large scale in the sustainable apartment building development in Schlatt, a district of the municipality of Widnau. The project clearly demonstrates how vertically integrated photovoltaic systems can be designed, planned and put to effective use today.
SolarSlide: Aesthetics, energy efficiency and functionality in a single component
SolarSlide brings together two areas that were long considered as separate: solar electricity generation and high-quality architectural façade design. The modules deliver up to 730 watts peak, achieve efficiencies of up to 20%, and thanks to the coloured glass-glass modules have almost no visible solar cell structure.
In addition to black, seven further colours are available, including anthracite, grey, terracotta and gold. The colour tint has only a minimal impact on performance: even dark anthracite results in a reduction in output of only around 3%.
The photovoltaic modules are laminated between two 4 mm panes of toughened safety glass (ESG), are UV-resistant and fully comply with all relevant building regulations. With the plug-and-play SolarSlide Pro variant, each module – including its integrated micro-inverter – can be connected directly to a 230-volt supply. This is a particular advantage for smaller installations or balcony solar-powered systems.
First large-scale application in Switzerland: Plus-energy building in Schlatt
Valley Architekten were the first to use SolarSlide on a large scale in a timber apartment building with 11 residential units. The aim: to create a building that generates more energy than it consumes. The project is based on the OPENLY construction system – a circular building concept that uses materials efficiently and relies on renewable resources such as timber and hempcrete. Components are slotted or screwed together and can be sorted by material type and reused.
A traditional standing-seam metal roof with an integrated PV installation, combined with an intelligent energy management system, already supplies a large proportion of the building’s own electricity. However, the roof area alone was not sufficient to obtain the desired Minergie certification. With 167.9 m² of PV roof area and an output of 31 kWp, the project fell just short of the required threshold. Additional PV elements on the façade were ruled out for aesthetic reasons.
The solution: SolarSlide sliding shutters on the south-facing façade.
24.5% more solar power thanks to SolarSlide
In Schlatt, 21 SolarSlide elements were installed, each with a module area of around 3 m². Each unit delivers approximately 500 Wp.
The result:
• Increase in system capacity from 31 kWp to approximately 41 kWp
• Total annual electricity generation: approx. 38,500 kWh
• Visually seamless integration into the timber architecture
The module panels used in Schlatt are 1,130 mm wide and 2,425 mm high. Whether in anthracite or grey, the loss in efficiency remains minimal (maximum 6%).
Gauthier Jonville, Valley Architekten
Conclusion: SolarSlide introduces a new generation of building integration
The project in Schlatt shows how modern construction methods, renewable energy and high-quality architecture can work together. SolarSlide proves that sun protection and photovoltaics are not a contradiction, but rather work together to transform a building into a plus-energy building.
With its efficiency, flexibility and strong architectural impact, SolarSlide sets a new benchmark for building-integrated photovoltaics in Europe.
Find out more about SolarSlide
SolarSlide combines design, efficiency and sustainability.
Discover all the technical details, colour options, applications and advantages of the SolarSlide photovoltaic sliding shutter.