3S Swiss Solar Systems AG and Meyer Burger Technology Ltd have won the Prize

In 2011, a total of 88 solar energy projects in the categories new buildings, renovation, energy systems and personalities and institutions were assessed for the Swiss Solar Energy prize, awarded by the Swiss Solar Energy Agency since 1990. These included ground-breaking PlusEnergie structures through to renovations of listed buildings. Projects with solar modules from 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG are among the front runners in almost all categories for the Swiss Solar Energy Prize. Of these, many of the construction projects equipped with 3S Photovoltaics building-integrated solar roofing or façade systems received awards.

3S Swiss Solar Systems AG, based in Lyss (Canton of Bern), a member of the Meyer Burger Group since 2010, is regarded as one of the market’s leaders in the development of systems for laminating solar modules and the production of innovative building-integrated solar modules. These are developed and manufactured under the 3S Photovoltaics trademark: With the MegaSlate® solar roofing system, which can be extended with solar heating and skylights, building components are produced which possess the best specifications for PlusEnergie constructions. These structural components meet all the demands for producing solar systems in listed buildings. Solar modules from 3S Photovoltaics are considered to be the perfect link between a strong, weatherproof building shell and efficient, environmentally friendly electricity production with highest visual requirements.

For their long-term efforts implementing solar energy supplies and combining quality and aesthetics in the solar energy systems integration sector, 3S (Swiss Solar Systems) and Meyer Burger AG have been awarded the 2011 Swiss Solar Energy Prize.

Among the award winning projects are a number of entries which used solar modules from 3S Photovoltaics including the unique PlusEnergieBuilding by Heizplan AG in Gams. The PlusEnergieBuilding won two awards, taking first place in the new buildings category as well as receiving the Norman Foster Solar Award 2011 for PlusEnergyBuildings. The winner in the photovoltiac energy system category was the Wüthrich family farmhouse in Schüpfenried near Uettligen. Built in 1819 and listed as a historic monument, the farmhouse has a 22.9 kWp MegaSlate® solar roof system from 3S Photovoltaics installed by Baur & Co. Roofing on its south side. The integrated facility, which covers the entire roof surface and includes special MegaSlate® skylights, is considered one of the most aesthetically attractive in Europe.