A retractable solar roof developed in Switzerland is offering manufacturers a practical blueprint for adding large-scale renewable energy capacity without sacrificing valuable operational space or acquiring new land.
Built by dhp Technology, the foldable photovoltaic (PV) canopy transforms an active industrial area into a dual-purpose asset, combining uninterrupted daily operations with on-site clean power generation. For manufacturing executives facing land constraints, the project highlights how existing spaces such as storage yards, logistics areas, car parks or assembly zones can be repurposed to produce energy without disrupting workflows.
The installation was constructed above the ARA Thunersee wastewater treatment plant in Uetendorf, where uninterrupted access to the infrastructure below is essential for maintenance and inspections. This challenge closely mirrors conditions in manufacturing environments, where constant access for trucks, forklifts and personnel is critical.
dhp Technology’s HORIZON system addresses this requirement through a lightweight, cable-supported structure that creates spans of up to 20 metres and a roof height of as much as seven metres. Crucially, the system is fully retractable, ensuring that ground-level operations are never obstructed. In an industrial context, this would allow a logistics yard or production area to function normally while simultaneously hosting a solar installation overhead.
Covering approximately 20,000 square metres, the Swiss solar roof has an installed capacity of 3 megawatts peak (MWp) and is expected to generate between 3 and 3.4 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually—enough to supply around 700 households. For a large manufacturing facility, a comparable system could significantly reduce dependence on grid electricity, helping to shield operations from volatile energy prices while supporting long-term decarbonisation targets.
Material efficiency is another defining feature of the design. According to dhp Technology, the cable-supported structure uses around 50% less material than conventional rigid solar installations of similar scale. This reduction not only lowers the overall environmental footprint but can also translate into lower capital costs for industrial adopters.
The roof’s automated retractability further enhances its suitability for active industrial sites. Drawing inspiration from cable car technology, non-glass PV modules are suspended on high-tension cables and can be automatically folded into a protected position during extreme weather events such as high winds or heavy snowfall. This reduces structural stress, protects the system from damage and simplifies engineering requirements.
For manufacturers, the key advantage is operational continuity. The system generates power under normal conditions but can be retracted when necessary to maintain site safety and asset integrity. Pre-assembled support structures also streamline installation, reducing on-site construction time and improving safety in busy industrial environments.
Together, these features position retractable solar canopies as a compelling option for manufacturers seeking to cut energy costs, strengthen sustainability performance and maximise the value of existing land—without compromising operational efficiency.
