Although our product surpasses the competition – HW5 hail resistance, Back Contact cells, matte black design, and Swiss frame assembly – its price remains as accessible as other existing Solrif models, which are based on older standards and lack Swiss-added value. For an offer or to be connected with our network, contact bbc@activ-glass.com.

The latest generation Back Contact cells and the photovoltaic laminate are manufactured in China. The final assembly takes place in Switzerland, where the Solrif® frame—a Swiss patent designed and manufactured by Ernst Schweizer AG in Hedingen—is added. This frame transforms the laminate into a true solar tile, combining roof coverage with energy production.

Yes, fully legitimately according to Swiss legislation: an industrial product can carry this designation if at least 60% of its added value comes from Switzerland and if the essential manufacturing step is carried out there. Some Swiss manufacturers further increase the Swiss share in their product by performing the lamination of the cells themselves. This is not our case, and we fully acknowledge their commitment. That is why we have decided not to label our product as "Made in Switzerland." We stand by our transparent and pragmatic approach. The local added value is 64%. The final assembly and the addition of the Solrif® frame are carried out in Hedingen, transforming a simple photovoltaic laminate into a true solar tile that provides both roof coverage and energy production. The costs of development, certification, logistics, and distribution are all Swiss.

Yes, the Solrif® BC Full Black (BBC) is HW5 certified, the highest hail resistance class in Switzerland. It has been tested under the VKF standard by the SUPSI laboratory, ensuring resistance to 50 mm hailstones, far exceeding the IEC standard tests, which are limited to 25 mm.

The AEAI/VKF standard is stricter than the classic TÜV standard: 16 impact points tested instead of 10, with a focus on more vulnerable areas (corners and edges), impact angle, velocity, and projectile temperature (-20°C vs. -10°C). An RG5-certified module can withstand hailstones of 50 mm, whereas most standard panels are only tested with 25 mm hailstones.

Thanks to this increased resistance, AEAI/VKF certification ensures that property owners can count on their insurance coverage even in the event of a major catastrophe. With climate change leading to more extreme weather events, standards must evolve accordingly. The HW5 classification anticipates future risks.

The Association of Cantonal Fire Insurance Companies (AEAI/VKF) is actively involved in both fire protection and the prevention of natural hazards.

Solrif® BC Full Black (BBC) panels are available through distributors who manage logistics, stock, and provide proximity to installers. Our distribution network is currently being established, but we still accept some direct sales to installers while respecting the role of committed distributors. The price for installers cannot be the same as for distributors, who add value to the supply chain.

We have established a structured distribution model to ensure a balanced approach for all market players:  

- Distributors commit to large volumes (full or half container). In return, they benefit from attractive commercial conditions and manage sales to local clients.  

- Installers purchase their panels from distributors and can order by unit or pallet.  

- End customers must go through a professional installer. We do not sell directly to private individuals.  

We ensure price consistency so that distributors and installers can maintain a fair and competitive margin.

Unlike our SOLARTERRA product range, Solrif® BC Full Black (BBC) panels are sold exclusively through authorized distributors. SOLARTERRA products are niche solutions that require close collaboration with installers and architects, which is why they are not sold exclusively through distributors. If you are a professional, we will gladly connect you with a Solrif BC Full Black distributor. If you are a private customer, we can put you in touch with one or more installers.  Send an email to bbc@activ-glass.com with your professional details.

Unlike many solar panels that have a power tolerance of ±3% or even -5%/+5%, the Solrif® BC Full Black (BBC) guarantees a strictly positive tolerance of 0 to +5%. What does this mean in practice? A panel rated at 440/445Wc will always deliver at least 440/445Wc and often exceed this value. Comparison with standard tolerances: A competitor's 440Wc panel with a ±3% tolerance could drop to 427Wc, meaning a potential power loss of 13Wc per panel.

Our approach was not to simply source low-cost photovoltaic laminates and attach a frame for sealing. We specifically chose the Solrif frame and Ernst Schweizer AG for its 20+ years of expertise. For the electrical component, we partnered with a high-end manufacturer who agreed to produce a laminate designed to our specifications, exceeding the standards of mass-produced generic products. Our panel is unique because we designed it with:

• Extreme weather resistance (hail resistance class RG5), tested in Switzerland by SUPSI under VKF standards, which are stricter than TÜV norms.

• A specially developed matte glass design, providing a premium material finish tailored to European aesthetic preferences.

• A strictly positive power tolerance (+5% and never below the rated power output)."

Thanks to Back Contact technology, there are no visible busbars on the cells, resulting in a completely matte black finish. Additionally, the structured glass has been specially designed to create a noble material effect, unlike the smooth surfaces of conventional panels, which are often coated with an anti-reflective chemical that deteriorates over time.

Yes. Upon request, we also supply non-active cut pieces (dummies) for roofs with complex geometries or obstacle bypassing. Only rectangular pieces are framed in the workshop. Non-rectangular pieces are delivered with a framing kit to be installed by the installer. Note that dummies are made of tempered glass and cannot be cut on-site. However, they have the advantage of appearing absolutely identical to the original active pieces. All cutting plans must be sent to us and signed by the customer.  Other cuttable aluminium dummies are also compatible and available from Ersnt Schweizer as in the past. 

We select our distributors on the basis of their ability to commit to large volumes, generally by full or half truckload, and to provide a quality service to installers. A distributor must be able to: manage sufficient stock to respond quickly to local demand. Offer a sales and technical service to installers. Respect a coherent pricing policy, guaranteeing a balance between distributors and installers. We want to build strong, long-term partnerships based on trust and joint market development. Send an email to bbc@activ-glass.com with your business details.

The product is entirely black and matt, with no visible metal lines, offering perfect integration into the roof for a discreet and elegant design. Solrif® BC Full Black (BBC) is an integrable photovoltaic panel that replaces the roof tiles directly, unlike standard panels that are fitted on top. 

We maintain a large stock at all times. Lead times for small quantities are currently less than 3 weeks. 

Our panels are designed to last more than 30 years. They come with an 8-year mechanical guarantee and a performance guarantee of 95% for 10 years and 90% for 25 years. 

Back Contact solar cells are an advanced technology where all the electrical contacts are located at the back of the cell, eliminating visible metal lines on the surface.

- Greater efficiency: Fewer shadows on the cell, so more light absorption and optimised energy production.

- Premium design: A full black appearance with no metallic reflections, ideal for aesthetic integration into roofs.

- Enhanced low-light performance: Improved production on overcast days or at the beginning and end of the day.

- Enhanced durability: Less mechanical stress on the cell, reducing the risk of micro-cracking and extending life.

Solrif® BC Full Black uses this technology to offer a product that is powerful, attractive and durable.

Switzerland has been a key player in the development of Back Contact solar cells, thanks in particular to the EPFL and the CSEM (Centre Suisse d'Électronique et de Microtechnique). These institutes have contributed to the development of new techniques for more reliable and efficient production. Thanks to these advances, Switzerland has helped to make Back Contact cells a benchmark technology, used today in the most efficient solar panels on the market, such as Solrif® BC Full Black.

The addition of the Solrif® frame by Ernst Schweizer AG in Switzerland gives the product its final properties as a photovoltaic roof tile:

✔ Direct installation on battens, like a conventional roof tile.

✔ Optimum watertightness, providing lasting protection for the building.

✔ Improved architectural integration, with a homogeneous and discreet design.

There are currently 2 official Large BBC B-SR-BL 440 and Large BBC B-SR-BL 445 references, depending on their wattage. The product is also known as BBC or Solrif Activ'Glass BBC, for ‘Black Back Contact’. Other references will be developed as power ratings and sizes evolve.