World’s first retractable solar roof becomes operational
Jakobsbad AI - The Jakobsbad-Kronberg cable car in the Appenzell region has gained an attraction: A retractable solar roof has been installed over the parking lot for the valley station at the mountain, which is popular for excursions. This is the first of its kind in the world.
St.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG (SAK) closely collaborated with the cable car company Jakobsbad-Kronberg AG for this project to install a photovoltaic retractable roof measuring 4,000 m2 over the parking lot in Jakobsbad. According to a press release from SAK, this is the first time in the world that this structure has been used in this way, i.e. over a parking lot.
Stefano Garbin, CEO of SAK, see the retractable solar roof as a powerful, symbolic message for the energy revolution in Eastern Switzerland. After two and a half years of planning and 13 months of construction, he stated at the commissioning: “For SAK, this project represents another step towards the future of energy. As an innovative regional energy supplier, we have been investing in future markets for years.” He went on to add that partnerships are central to completing projects for SAK, as has been the case with this innovative project and the collaboration with the Jakobsbad-Kronberg cable car.
When fully extended, the photovoltaic retractable roof creates shade for 152 cars in the parking lot. Adriano Tramèr, Head of Produciton at SAK, explains: “The retractable solar roof consists of 1,320 solar panels that are distributed over an area of 4,000 m2. The solar power plant will produce 350,000 kWh of solar energy per year in future, which corresponds to the yearly electricity requirement of around 70 households.”
SAK is offering interested parties the opportunity to invest in a sustainable energy future. Rights of use for 15 years can be acquired for the solar panels. A quarter of a panel starts at 200 Swiss francs. Currently, around 500 are still available. Upon purchasing, the buyer receives a certificate, their name on the solar panel, and special activity vouchers for Kronberg at the value of the solar energy produced.