SOL•THOR wins German Design Award 2025

Although our self-sufficient solution will not be available on the market until the first quarter of 2025, it has already received its first award. Following the 2024 recognition of the AC ELWA 2, the SOL•THOR has now been honoured with nothing less than the German Design Award.

A self-sufficient solution without permits for expanding balcony power plants

In Germany and Austria, balcony power plants with up to 800 watts of power can operate without registration or permits. This capacity is typically achieved with two solar modules. However, installing more modules often encounters bureaucratic hurdles, as larger PV systems require permits and grid connections.

The SOL•THOR, launching in early 2025, solves this problem. As a completely self-sufficient solution, the device converts DC electricity directly into heat – without a grid connection or permit requirements. This makes SOL•THOR a simple, flexible alternative to traditional balcony power plants, or a great option for extra space on balconies, garages, or garden sheds. With a few additional standard modules (without inverters), users can achieve significant output.

Cost-efficiency with standard modules

This innovative concept avoids expensive balcony power modules with microinverters, instead leveraging cost-effective standard modules with MC4 connectors. These modules are connected directly to the DC Power Manager SOL•THOR, which efficiently converts the electricity into hot water using a heating element in a water storage tank or boiler. The number of modules can also be customized – from one to ten, depending on available space and hot water needs.

“We are bridging the gap between small balcony power plants and large grid-connected systems,” explains Dr. Gerhard Rimpler, CEO of my-PV.

Awarded the German Design Award 2025

This outstanding innovation has received the German Design Award in the “Excellent Product Design” category. The jury, comprising 46 international experts, particularly highlighted the efficiency and user-friendliness of the SOL•THOR:

"The innovative concept of using solar power directly for heat generation represents a significant step toward self-sufficient energy supply. The SOL•THOR impresses with its ability to convert DC electricity into heat efficiently and without losses, requiring no grid connection."

A glimpse into the future

“Industrial design fascinates me. If I wasn’t an electronics developer, I’d design products. That’s why I’m happy that we have won another design award for our latest achievement,” says Dr. Gerhard Rimpler.

With SOL•THOR, my-PV reinforces its reputation as a pioneer in photovoltaic heating, demonstrating that sustainable energy solutions can be efficient, user-friendly, and visually appealing.

This innovative solution addresses rising energy prices and the growing demand for self-sufficient systems, marking another step toward an environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy future.