Unfold the PV Creativity

As a part of a #PVisSmartNotStupid initiative, I would like to focus on a truly innovative way, how to commit of the use of PV in the future.

Terrestrial PV of all kinds or rooftop applications are with us for decades with us. But it is the time to move ahead and provide something more, than “just a photovoltaic system”.

It is important to provide an intelligence in technology, design, and architecture. It is important to implement the PV into areas, where no other value can be created.

If you follow my posts carefully, you know that I have touched the topic of folding PV from dhp Technology few times. But let´s deep-dive and take a look into the concept closely!

It All Starts With an Idea

Wastewater Treatment Facility in Chur, Switzerland, was the first target for the very first, pilot project of the solar folding roof in 2017/18.

For your information, wastewater treatment facilities are typically a very high consumer of electricity, but if considering to utilize standard photovoltaic concepts, it is not always easy, as the space on the surrounding roofs is usually not really enough.

However, there is a large space used for the water cleaning processes at the sediment-basins. And how to utilize PV?

Yes, it is possible to construct a shed which would then be used as a base for the standard rooftop installation. But such a shed would need to withstand an enormous load, as not only the PV itself is considered, but also the snow/wind load in addition.

And in case of the wastewater treatment facilities, there is one more aspect: a crane is used from time to time for maintenance work, which is why access from above is imperative. Therefore, fixed constructions do not come into consideration.

(Un)Fold

To be able to fold/unfold the whole PV system has been a matter of accessibility from the top in case of wastewater treatment facilities, but this feature has undoubtedly other advantages as well.

The connected meteo-station is permanently evaluating the weather situation and in case of storm, hail or snowfall, the system will fold into the “docking position” and stays safely folded in the docking until the conditions improve.

There is basically no chance for the system to be damaged by bad weather. In addition, the necessity for cleaning services is significantly reduced too.

Typically, the system is “going to sleep” with the sunset and unfolds again when the first sunrays come up in the morning.

Certainly, it is possible to (un)fold the solar folding roof manually if there is a need to do so.

It is also important to mention that the patented folding mechanism belongs to one of the most complex parts of the whole array. It has been designed is a precious way in order to withstand the movements of the PV modules in a long-term frame.

E-Mobility, Parking Space, Agrivoltaics. Where else?

Gaining the experience, sharpening the skills, and exploring new possibilities was popping up in the business development team over the time.

Using the DHP solar folding roof system on parking lots is another advantageous way of how to utilize the space in a more intelligent way than just park the cars.

Apart from providing the incredible amount of energy, it is also shading the cars to protect the car interiors from over-heating during hot summer days.

Now you might be asking, what brings the folding concept in addition in comparison with the traditional parking-lot carports.

Well, first of all, with conventional PV system, the coverage of the area is typically 1/3 smaller than with the folding roof. This means 1/3 smaller possibility to harvest the sun.

Secondly, the usage of construction materials is up to 50% lower, which is certainly reducing the complexity. The DHP solar folding roof comes with much fewer supports, which means there are no blocked areas and restrictions. So hardly any parking spaces are lost and even large vehicles like trucks have free passage.

Last, but not least - PV array generates a DC current, therefore, utilizing the DC chargers for e-mobility was a logic outcome as an add-on for the usage of folding system on the parking areas and logistic stands.

Besides, the supply lines for the charging infrastructure already exists there, so they do not need to be built additionally.

Nowadays, agrivoltaics is gaining more and more attention, as a result of the efforts to utilize the agricultural land more than just for growing the crops, fruits, or other agricultural products.

There are many solutions suitable for this sub-segment of PV that have the ambition to be the solution for the agrivoltaics. However, the folding roof system has an undoubtable advantage due to the lower amount of basement (constructional) elements, that provide more space for the actual growth of the farming commodities, without compromising the space used for harvesting the sun.

The programmable balancing “shade/sunlight” depending on crop, growth phase or weather pattern is an ideal feature of the folding system, so it gives the opportunity to the farmers to perfectly control the exposure to the sunlight for the plants underneath.

Factor of Esthetics

Whether we like it or not, esthetics plays an important role in our lives. Sometimes, we want to highlight some architectural elements in order to show the exceptional concept being used. Sometimes we try to hide PV from our sight, so it does not disturb our eye with something what does not belong to the overall architecture scheme.

The solar folding roof system meets both. In case of industrial application of the wastewater treatment facilities, it has the ability to fit into the scheme, and become an integrated part of the overall look of the facility. It gives an elegant look, smart shading and architectural fit.

The constructional base solution can easily be adopted in various architecture-schemes in the urban areas without adding a forest of pilons or poles into the area. Any area covered with such folding system is very spacious, airy and gives you the touch of futuristic feel.

Currently, a concept with utilizing the timber as a base material for the construction is being evaluated. Once all the stability & static factors will be confirmed, this sort of PV will undoubtedly create a “swissness feel” to the whole concept. It will underline the company´s spirit & respect to the nature!

Last, but not least, I cannot forget to say few words about the company itself. DHP Technology would not be at the stage of today without having a truly dedicated team of enthusiastic people, who truly believe in what they do, and what their mission is.

All their efforts are aligned with the respect to the use of the traditional materials, while combining it with the latest PV technologies of flexible modules, which are that important for the whole concept of folding roof.

It is also not surprising to see that even the manufacturing facility contains a lot of timber, and all the corporate environment is driven by sustainability. Sustainability of the products, but also, the mindset.