Solar folding roof a milestone for Appenzell I.Rh
The latest extension to the wastewater treatment plant in Appenzell I.Rh., a state-of-the-art solar folding roof, marks significant progress in the canton's energy and climate protection strategy. The inauguration of the solar folding roof attracted numerous visitors and emphasised the region's commitment to renewable energies.
At the recent open day of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Appenzell I.Rh., the latest project – an ingenious solar folding roof – attracted around 200 interested visitors. This innovative system demonstrates the combination of energy efficiency and environmental protection by covering 80% of the ARA’s energy requirements and minimising the formation of algae in the clarifiers.
In his speech, Ruedi Ulmann, the client of the project, emphasised the importance of the project for the regional energy and climate strategy and highlighted the support of the Grand Council. The solar folding roof, whose design both optimises technical operation and reduces the environmental impact, was blessed by the parish priest Lukas Hidber.
The solar folding roof impresses with its lightweight construction, which allows unrestricted access to the system and protects it from the weather thanks to intelligent control software. The resulting longer service life of the modules and the reduction in algae growth lead to a reduction in operating costs. The innovative use of solar and biogas technologies at the Appenzell I.Rh. wastewater treatment plant is a pioneering example of the effective utilisation of renewable energies at municipal facilities.