When sun protection
becomes a power plant

The energy-plus house in Schlatt (Widnau) demonstrates how photovoltaic sliding shutters
combine architecture, sustainability and electricity production.
widnau

SolarSlide:
Aesthetics, energy efficiency
and functionality in one component

With the new SolarSlide photovoltaic sliding shutter, EHRET is launching a product that combines aesthetic sun protection with an efficient energy source. SolarSlide thus brings together two worlds that were long considered separate: solar power generation and high-quality architectural façade design.

The modules deliver up to 730 watts peak, achieve efficiencies of up to 20% and, thanks to coloured glass-glass modules, are virtually free of visible cell structures. In addition to black, seven other colours are available, including anthracite, grey, terracotta and gold. The tint has little effect on efficiency: even dark anthracite causes only around 3% reduction in performance.

The photovoltaic modules are encapsulated in two 4 mm thick ESG panes, are UV-resistant and comply with all building regulations. With the plug-in version SolarSlide Pro, each module, including the micro inverter, can be connected directly to a 230-volt mains supply – a particular advantage for smaller systems or balcony power plants.

First large-scale operation in Switzerland

SolarSlide
The energy-plus house in Schlatt

Even before its official market launch, this innovative solution found its first major application in a sustainable multi-family housing complex in Schlatt, a district of the municipality of Widnau. The project demonstrates how vertically integrated photovoltaics can be designed, planned and used effectively today. The Valley Architekten architectural firm used SolarSlide on a large scale for the first time in a wooden apartment building with 11 residential units.

The goal:

To create a building that generates more energy than it consumes. The basis for this is the OPENLY building system – a recyclable concept that uses materials sparingly and relies on renewable raw materials such as wood and hemp concrete. Components are plugged or screwed together and can be separated by type and reused.

A classic metal standing seam roof with an integrated PV system, coupled with an intelligent energy management system, already supplies a large part of the building’s own electricity. However, the roof area alone was not sufficient to achieve 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 requirements. Additional PV elements on the façade were out of the question for aesthetic reasons.

The solution:
SolarSlide sliding shutters on the south façade.

24.5% more solar power
thanks to SolarSlide

In Schlatt, 21 SolarSlide elements, each with a module area of around 3 m², are being installed. Each one delivers around 500 Wp. 

The result:

  • Power increase from 31 kWp to around 41 kWp
  • Total yield: approx. 38,500 kWh/year
  • Visually integrates perfectly into wooden architecture
The modules used in Schlatt have a blade width of 1130 mm and a height of 2425 mm. Whether anthracite or grey – the loss in efficiency remains minimal (max. 6%).
“Our goal is to build houses that can be used and maintained for 100 years or more. That’s why we rely on PV sliding shutters, which not only generate energy but also serve as sun protection and enhance the aesthetics of the façade.”
Gauthier Jonville, Valley Architekten

Conclusion: SolarSlide heralds a new generation of building integration


The project in Schlatt shows how modern construction methods, renewable energies and sophisticated architecture can harmonise. SolarSlide proves that sun protection and photovoltaics are not a contradiction in terms – together, they can turn a building into an energy-plus house.

With its efficiency, flexibility and aesthetic appeal, SolarSlide sets a new standard for building-integrated photovoltaics in Europe.