World’s Largest Foldable Rooftop PV System Comes Online in Switzerland

Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 23, A 3.6 MW photovoltaic folding roof has been launched at the Thunersee wastewater treatment plant in the Swiss canton of Bern, making it the largest of its kind globally. Developed by dhp Technology, the innovative installation covers more than 23,000 square meters and spans several treatment basins, enabling the facility to serve a dual purpose: wastewater treatment at ground level and solar power generation overhead.

Part of the photovoltaic folding roof

The folding roof system is designed to produce approximately 3 GWh of electricity annually, most of which will be consumed on-site. The technology behind the roof draws from Swiss cable car engineering, allowing it to automatically retract during extreme weather conditions such as storms, snow, or hail, to protect the solar panels.

Ingo Schoppe, Managing Director of the Thunersee wastewater treatment plant, highlighted the project’s significance: “This project demonstrates how we can advance the energy transition pragmatically and effectively. We are using existing space intelligently and are thus making a meaningful contribution to security of supply, economic efficiency, and climate protection.”

This project represents a significant step in utilizing existing infrastructure to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. By integrating solar power generation with wastewater treatment, it not only helps reduce the plant's energy consumption but also contributes to the overall energy transition in Switzerland.