Without a major module manufacturer, Swiss technical developments have tended to concentrate on specific system components, such as inverters, mounting systems and custom designed modules for building integration

The Swiss Solar Tile is typical of Swiss components' innovation. The specially designed solar module replaces four standard clay tiles and produces about 36 W. The Newtec tiles incorporated into the building alongside have now been operational for about five years and continue to perform well.

The biggest building integrated PV system in Switzerland has been operational since spring 1997. A 180 kW system incorporating flat-roof integration, sun shades and façade mounting has been installed on a new office building near Lugano in southern Switzerland. The flat roof section, which uses the SOFREL mounting system, is pictured alongside. The modules are fixed with glue and a clamp on a standard concrete base, which makes mounting and removal fast and easy. The relatively low inclination angle of 20 degrees allows a high packing density on the available roof area, a good aesthetic performance and annual production, close t the maximum value.

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