Software-Defined Automation Accelerates Solar Innovation

Schneider Electric’s Automation Expert Accelerates dhp’s Solar Innovation

Transforming Solar Roof Technology Through Advanced Automation

LONDON, Sept. 3, 2025 – Schneider Electric, in collaboration with system integrator Baffy AG, has successfully transformed dhp Technology AG’s HORIZON solar roof operations. By implementing EcoStruxure Automation Expert, dhp achieved remarkable 50% reduction in commissioning efforts. This technological advancement provides significant competitive advantage in the rapidly expanding retractable roofs and skylights market. Industry projections indicate this market will reach $1.3 billion by 2033.

Revolutionizing Energy Infrastructure with Smart Solar Solutions

dhp Technology’s innovative solar roof systems are redefining energy standards across multiple sectors. These solutions serve water treatment facilities, logistics centers, and parking structures with exceptional efficiency. The lightweight modular design adapts effortlessly to evolving energy requirements. Moreover, these intelligent roofs automatically retract during severe weather conditions including hail storms and heavy snowfall. This smart functionality ensures maximum durability and operational reliability.

Software-Defined Automation Delivers Unprecedented Flexibility

Schneider Electric’s open automation platform enables dhp to select optimal technology solutions without vendor restrictions. The EcoStruxure Automation Expert system separates software from hardware components. This architectural approach enables seamless integration across diverse industrial environments. Consequently, organizations experience reduced engineering complexity and faster product deployment. The platform’s inherent flexibility supports scalable growth while maintaining competitive market positioning.

Leadership Perspectives on Operational Transformation

“Our mission empowers customers to achieve carbon neutrality and energy independence while optimizing spatial efficiency,” stated Gian Andri Diem, dhp Technology CEO and co-founder. “EcoStruxure Automation Expert reduced our commissioning time by half while simplifying system complexity. Our field technicians now independently manage automated solar roof installations. This capability delivers superior client value and operational agility.”

System Integrator Validates Technical Advantages

Martin Baffy, owner of Baffy AG, confirmed the system’s exceptional adaptability. “EcoStruxure Automation Expert provides unparalleled flexibility compared to conventional automation systems. When we encountered controller memory issues, plug-and-play technology enabled immediate component replacement. This level of adaptability is crucial for dhp’s manufacturer-independent operational model.”

Industry Analysis: The Future of Open Automation

As the world’s pioneering open, software-defined automation solution, EcoStruxure Automation Expert represents a fundamental shift in industrial control systems. The platform’s hardware-agnostic architecture enables unprecedented innovation speed and operational intelligence. From my professional perspective, this approach addresses critical industry challenges including vendor lock-in and system inflexibility. Companies adopting this technology typically experience 30-50% faster time-to-market for new innovations.

Comprehensive Technical Integration

The dhp automation solution incorporates advanced weather monitoring capabilities through Harmony P6 industrial computing systems and Modicon M262 distributed control technology. This integrated approach provides complete operational visibility and responsive control mechanisms. Furthermore, the system supports seamless data exchange across all operational layers, enabling predictive maintenance and optimized performance.

Application Scenario: Smart Energy Management

Industrial automation platforms like EcoStruxure Automation Expert demonstrate how software-defined systems transform renewable energy infrastructure. The platform enables real-time weather response, automated performance optimization, and remote system management. These capabilities reduce operational costs while increasing energy production efficiency. Companies implementing similar solutions typically report 20-35% improvements in operational responsiveness and maintenance efficiency.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric creates meaningful impact by enabling optimal energy and resource utilization. The company bridges technological progress with environmental sustainability across all operations. As a global industrial technology leader, Schneider delivers expertise in electrification, automation, and digital transformation. The organization serves smart industries, resilient infrastructure, advanced data centers, and intelligent buildings worldwide. With 150,000 employees and extensive partner networks across 100 countries, Schneider promotes inclusive innovation and sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does software-defined automation benefit solar technology companies?

Software-defined automation enables faster system commissioning, vendor independence, and seamless technology integration. These advantages accelerate innovation while reducing operational costs.

What makes EcoStruxure Automation Expert different from traditional systems?

The platform decouples software from hardware, eliminating vendor lock-in and enabling greater system flexibility. This architecture supports easier upgrades and component replacements.

How does dhp’s solar roof technology respond to weather conditions?

Integrated weather monitoring systems automatically retract roofs during severe conditions like hail or heavy snow, protecting infrastructure while maintaining energy generation.

What operational efficiencies did dhp achieve with this implementation?

dhp reduced commissioning time by 50%, simplified system complexity, and enabled technicians to manage installations independently, significantly improving operational agility.

How does open automation support sustainability goals?

By optimizing energy infrastructure performance and enabling smarter resource management, open automation helps organizations achieve carbon neutrality and energy independence objectives.