These Solar Panels Automatically Retract When There's No Sunlight

For years, we have got used to seeing solar panels attached to the roof to collect energy from the sun as an alternative source of electricity. However, solar panels in the future should be smarter so they can open and close automatically based on specific situations.

Switzerland-based firm Kronberg and its partner St. Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke (SAK), have come up with a new creation called the “photovoltaic folding roof.” It’s basically a smart roof that extends during the day and retracts when it gets cloudy. This could be the future of solar panels for households.

Reportedly, the company finalized on the system this spring. With an area of 4,000 square meters, the roof covers the parking lot at the local cable car stop Kronbergbahn. It has 2 electrical filling stations and can cover a parking lot with 150-car capacity.

The photovoltaic folding roof consists of 1,320 panels that generate about 350,000 kWh per year. To make a profit from this creation and to expand their business, the two companies are seeking investments. Kronbergbahn AG and SAK are already using 330 of the panels while they expect to soon get another 660 panels licensed to interest clients. The license agreement is a 15-year contract.

The pair presented several advantages of the project, the most beneficial of which is electricity production from renewable resources. Anyone can use these panels, they can also deliver them to a friend as a gift.

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