News

The canton of Valais has made an ecological turn by installing Freesuns Solaris™ Heritage solar tiles on this iconic historic building in the heart of Sion. Two sections of the west wing have been covered with these tiles, and an extension on another part of the roof is planned for 2025.

Check the video of the project, as well as the full project here.

This house has embraced an ambitious ecological turn by adorning itself with solar tiles and heat pump heating. Sensitive to the challenges of preserving the planet, its owner opted for Solaris™ Classic solar tiles. Discover the project video and customer testimonial. Check the full project here.

On November 14th, the CSEM (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology) celebrated its 40th anniversary—a major milestone for this key player in Swiss innovation. On this special occasion, John Morello, founder of Freesuns, had the honor of addressing an audience of experts, researchers, and visionary entrepreneurs.

In his speech, John shared Freesuns’ vision for a sustainable future powered by aesthetically pleasing solar roofs. He emphasized the critical role of collaboration between startups and innovation centers like the CSEM in accelerating the energy transition.

We are proud to be part of this dynamic ecosystem and inspired by the technological advancements showcased at this event. Together, let’s build a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand!

We're delighted to share with you that this superb project in Schwarzenburg (BE) is one of the winners of the Swiss Solar Prize 2024.

It has won the prestigious Norman Foster Solar Diploma. Among other distinctions, this award recognizes buildings and projects that stand out for outstanding architectural design using solar energy in an integrated and innovative way.

See the project here.

We're delighted that our tiles were featured in this report on RTS's 12:45 News! The Faculty of Economics building at the University of Neuchâtel is now covered with Freesuns Solaris™ Heritage tiles. A choice made by the canton of Neuchâtel to combine solar energy and respect for heritage. “An installation like this squares the circle,” says Yves-Olivier Joseph, cantonal architect, NE.

Thanks to RTS - Radio Télévision Suisse for this report!

The integration of photovoltaics into buildings is the preferred option in Switzerland, given the country's urban density. Freesuns specializes in the design of solar tiles that blend in with traditional roofs, and has just completed the renovation of three historic buildings in the town of Neuchâtel. Article in French.

Photovoltaic installations have an essential role to play in the energy transition. As part of the Freestile project, Freesuns and CSEM have joined forces to develop a new generation of efficient, reliable solar roof tiles that can cover all roofs, even those of protected buildings. Article in French.

The fall 2024 edition Swiss Collider program in Boston and New York features six Swiss startups with solutions focusing on sustainable energy, decarbonizing the agriculture sector and coastal ecosystems. This program, powered by Swissnex and Innosuisse, presents a unique opportunity to enhance Freesuns expertise, connect with leaders in climatetech, and showcase the global impact of our solutions.

Thank you to Pascal Hofer for this great article about the canton and city of Neuchatel, and their recent actions to start promoting green energy on public buildings thanks to Freesuns tiles. 
Article in French for Arc Info Subscribers.

We are proud to have been selected as the solar supplier by Ville de Neuchatel and Canton of Neuchatel to redo emblematic heritage building roofs in the center of the city. Check our video and the fabulous result on Collège des Parcs and on the Unine building at Breguet 2. We thank the local players for their testimonials, as well as Groupe Volet for its remarkable installation work.

These buildings will be equipped with thousands of innovative solar tiles, the result of a fruitful collaboration between CSEM, the technology innovation center, and Freesuns. This milestone signifies substantial progress for the City and Canton of Neuchâtel in the race to the 2050 Swiss energy transition.

“In order to encourage the production of photovoltaic energy throughout its territory, while respecting heritage values, the State of Vaud is proposing a new envelope of CHF 200,000 per year for owners of protected buildings”.

At Freesuns, we offer the perfect solution for protected buildings, with our Heritage tiles which look like slate, and VDiamond tiles which compare to terracotta tiles.

Check the full Vaud press release below.

This commitment includes significant research and development efforts to produce more efficient products. As the European Union aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 through increased use of affordable solar energy and enhanced building efficiency to eliminate energy poverty, it has launched the Horizon Europe Sphinx program. We are honored to be selected as a privileged partner in this 36-month R&D solar program.

The Sphinx project unites 12 partners from 7 countries across Europe to develop modular solar building elements using advanced EU technology. This initiative will enable flexible, cost-effective production and faster construction. The project will focus on creating lightweight solar products and innovative manufacturing methods, which will be demonstrated at five different sites. Additionally, Sphinx aims to repatriate solar production to Europe from the US and China.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!

The canton of Vaud has shared an encouraging study of the solar potential of public buildings. 400 cantonal buildings would be eligible, with a surface area of 100,000 m2 and a capacity of 23 GWh. The goal of achieving energy autonomy for state buildings by 2035 encourages us to believe in innovation and in this transition to a more sustainable future!

Our VDiamond tiles can be seen in the hands of Councillor Isabelle Moret. We encourage you to watch the RTS report below (from minute 7'42).

Our story is shining bright! From sustainable tile to SME growth, discover how we turned our eco-friendly project into a thriving business. Thanks to the Confederation's Technology Funds, we were able to develop our venture while staying true to our environmental values.

Thanks to the 24 heures newspaper and UBS for this column and for sharing our story! Article in French.

We are proud to announce that PHIDA is joining us as an investor. As one of the leading building envelope manufacturers in Romandie, PHIDA Groupe has a long-standing commitment to a sustainable future.

We look forward to working with PHIDA Groupe to build our future together and thank them for their trust.

Thank you very much to HANDELSZEITUNG for this wonderful article, feel free to read it. Article in German.

We are delighted to share that this stunning project in Meggen (LU) is one of the winners of the Swiss Solar Prize 2023.
Self-efficient in energy at 71%, it was awarded a Diploma in the Building Renovation category.
 
See the full project here

HOW SWISS SOLAR RESISTS THE CHINESE ONSLAUGHT.
It's impossible to compete with Chinese solar panels. On the other hand, solar energy integrated into materials or tailored to specific needs are promising markets. Read the interview of Freesuns in the 24HEURES newspaper. Article in French.

Long gone are the days when the slightest rooftop solar installation project was met with a volley of objections. Today, photovoltaics have even won the hearts of architects. Why the change? Find out in this article (in French) from GO2050, which includes a nice mention for one of our projects in Schwarzenburg (BE). Article in French.

In the canton of Bern, this majestic 10-sided roof is adorned with Freesuns Heritage ™ solar tiles. A listed building, this house nevertheless benefited from swift approval from the local authorities. Discover the project video.

In the centre of Ferlens (VD), a small municipality of some 300 inhabitants, stands the former college, a listed building. This magnificent building belongs to the commune which has chosen Freesuns Solaris™ VDiamond Terracotta tiles when renovating this building, in order to respect the architectural heritage of the building.

Based north of Morges, Freesuns is starting to make a name for itself, including in the heritage preservation community. Article in French.

Vaud's deputies have given the go-ahead for a framework credit for the maintenance of cantonal buildings, including the installation of solar roof tiles. Article in French.

As seen on the RTS, Freesuns is proud to be a solution balancing the patrimony and energy efficiency!

Photovoltaic solutions that provide electricity while acting as a roof are becoming more widespread in Switzerland, where they are subsidized.

Discover one of our latest achievements: a curved roof on the Central 2 school in Meggen (LU), a challenge brilliantly met by the Freesuns team!

Thank you Insight-You Media for giving us the opportunity to present our history, our vision and our products!

We are happy to share that Deborah Learoyd, our Managing Director, was interviewed by the Swisspreneur for a full podcast. If you want to know everything about the Freesuns’ story and this exciting journey in the life of an entrepreneur family, click on the video and go to the "play" section of the podcast. We wish you a pleasant listening!
This podcast was recorded in collaboration with Energy Startup Day.

"By integrating solar cells into roof tiles, any roof can be converted into a photovoltaic system – without compromising the aesthetic or architectural integrity of a building..."

Listen to John Morello, founder of Freesuns, as well as some of our clients sharing the benefits of installing their Freesuns roofs. 
Find out more about our roofs here.

Discover the history of Freesuns through its founder John Morello. He tells us about the beginnings and gives us his vision for the future of the company.

To move to more sustainable development, we need role models to guide decision-makers. The “Green Business Award” under the chairmanship of Doris Leuthard honours innovative companies that combine ecological innovations with economic success. A unique selection process via national business associations and environmental organisations guarantees that the most effective solutions are sought out each year. Nominations are made through nomination partners. 

Freesuns is very proud to have been nominated for the “Green Business Award”.

Grand Prize results to be known by July 6th. Stay tuned!

Our client Yves-Stéphane talks about his experience with Freesuns after we installed Freesuns tiles on his roof, a particular complex roof. Freesuns tiles adapt to all types of roof structures without compromising their aesthetics.

Boosting the adoption of innovative solutions to protect the environment, the Solar Impulse Foundation aims to identify clean, efficient and profitable solutions in order to accelerate their implementation and the transition to a sustainable economy.

Thanks to the awarding of a label with high standards of sustainability and profitability, the Foundation can support political and economic decision-makers in their efforts to achieve their environmental targets and encourage them to adopt more ambitious energy regulations, necessary for implementation at large-scale of these solutions on the market.

Freesuns is proud to be recognized by the Solar Impulse Foundation.

"A young Vaud-based company has developed traditional-looking roof tiles with invisible photovoltaic cells, capable of producing electricity, while preserving the aesthetic appearance of traditional roofs..."

Norbert Voyame, architect at Argecom, explains why he recommends Freesuns tiles to his clients.

Freesuns offers training to professionals who want to offer a more sustainable alternative to their customers. Rudolf Beer, a roofer, explains how a Freesuns training helped him.

"A Vaudoise company rivals Tesla. In Colombier-sur-Morges, Freesuns develops custom-made solar tiles with an aesthetic particularly suited to Switzerland's architectural heritage.

Pierre Conus explains the benefits of using solar tiles and why he chose Freesuns for his roof.

"A Swiss company has developed a concept to optimise the production of electricity from solar energy. Built by a pupil of Le Corbusier, this villa..."

With the various models of photovoltaic tiles that he has been designing and installing for five years now, John Morello, founder of Freesuns, is adding a new stone to the solar building industry. After renovating the entire roof of his villa in the modern style of the 1950s, he was able to redo the roof of the small house near the famous Grand Chalet de Balthus, in Rossinière, thanks to superimposed plates that look like two drops of water to slate. The same challenge was met in Grimentz, where his company was commissioned to replace a small shingled roof. It blends in perfectly with the decor of this typical village while supplying energy to the charging stations for electric cars.

Image copyright 24Heures - Jean-Marc Corset

We are thrilled to announce that Freesuns will join the Swiss Technology Fund portfolio of companies. The Technology Fund offers loan guarantees to Swiss companies whose novel products contribute to a sustainable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Freesuns will have access to finance to accelerate our mission over the next few years.

Freesuns has been working on the development of the Solaris™ VDiamond solar tile for the past three years to bring this ground-breaking product to the Swiss market. The expanded range of Freesuns solar tiles will contribute to an increased adoption of solar energy in Switzerland by providing a sustainable solution for houses and buildings without visually altering traditional roof aesthetics.

The Solaris™ VDiamond solar tile replicates the traditional terracotta clay roof tile and is available in a range of earth tone colours that can match existing roof tiles. The solar tile can fit any roof shape, including complex architectural constructions. It is ideal for houses located in traditional Swiss villages or historic buildings in city centres protected by heritage preservation laws. The installation process is the same as for traditional roof tiles utilising identical wood substructures. The Solaris™ VDiamond roof generates up to 111 Wp per m2.

Freesuns has helped clients produce energy with its range of solar tiles since 2017. With subsidies provided by the Swiss Government (Pronovo) for solar installations, the potential long-term return on investment is significant.

“We are excited to have developed this uniquely shaped colored solar roof tile. The launch of this product, together with our existing product range, enables building owners to install a solar roof without having to compromise on aesthetics.” John Morello, Founder of Freesuns

Freesuns has completed the first installation of the Solaris™ VDiamond tile in the lakeside village of Buchillon, Vaud. The owners were delighted with the results and look forward to using the solar energy generated to charge their electric cars and heat their outdoor swimming pool.

“The roof looks amazing and fits perfectly with the traditional neighbouring village houses “, Craig – Home Owner Buchillon.

If you missed the Mission Possible show on Swiss TV RTS about the installation of a Freesuns’ solar roof in Grimentz, you can watch it again by clicking on the following link:

We travelled to Grimentz with Marc Muller and his team, to take part in a project to promote renewable energy in the ski resort of Grimentz and to raise awareness about climate change with the local population . To find out more, don't miss this episode!

Image copyright RTS/Darrin Vanselow

A Vaud-based start-up is launching a roof tile with invisible photovoltaic sensors whose color can be adapted to the roof of protected buildings. lematin.ch