The Austrian company **Sunbooster GmbH** introduced to the market an innovation in renewable energy: they developed **flexible solar panels**. This innovation allows them to be inserted in places like fences, something common in households.
In addition to generating electricity, they provide **privacy and protection** from the sun at home.
According to the company, the power available for a **100-meter long fence is 18 kWh**.
These are the flexible solar panels
The so-called “Sunbooster vertical” are strips that contain **bifacial monocrystalline cells**. They are available in **six complete sets starting from 372 watts** of power with inverters and corresponding wiring.
Flexible solar panels.
Sunbooster detailed that the power available for a 100-meter long fence is 18 kWh (kilowatt-hour), with **an estimated annual performance of 22 MW per hour**.
The technology launched by this company aims to replace conventional strips that are usually installed on fences to achieve privacy in households and also protect them from the sun.
The company indicated that there are no limits to scale the installation, so they will **also offer their use in industrial fences**.
“In times of increasing demand for renewable energy and limited space for the expansion of solar power plants, **we are opening up new paths with our innovation**,” explained the CEO, **Stefan Ponsold**.
“We transform existing fences into powerful solar power plants, without the need for additional space,” he added.
The advantages of the system
He also referred to the difference in expenses. “The acquisition costs are only a third of those of classic solar fences. This means that our equipment pays for itself in just two and a half years**,” he stated.
He also highlighted that during winter, the panels can take advantage of the light reflected by the snow while cooling down, conditions that increase their overall performance.
“Thanks to their vertical orientation, **they provide solar energy especially in the morning and afternoon**, exactly when the energy demand is high,” they indicated.
“The **installation is simple and cost-effective**, as the existing double wire mesh fences can be adapted,” they added.
Products offered by Sunbooster.
Where are they available
The market launch will be in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with **an initial offer of six different sets**. It should be noted that in these countries, renewable energy is subsidized.
The product introduction will be through Sunbooster’s online store, but the company plans to **offer their sets in selected hardware stores** and through specialized retailers.
Subsidies in Austria for solar energy
In addition to exemptions or municipal subsidies in cities, Austria offers national advantages for these types of technologies. The main ones are:
- **VAT exemption for photovoltaic systems:**
**Starting January 1, 2024, photovoltaic systems up to 35 kWp and associated **electricity storage systems** are exempt from VAT. This applies to systems that operate in or near residential or nonprofit buildings.
- **Investment financing from the EAG:**
If the VAT exemption does not apply (for example, for larger or commercial plants), there are **subsidies available from the Renewable Energy Expansion Law (EAG)**. These are managed by OeMAG and are periodically awarded in funding rounds.
