Solar awnings from Solar Markise

German startup Solar Markise, based in Essen, has built flexible solar cells into the fabric of retractable awnings. According to IIA Science & Innovation, the 3.51 by 3 metre model delivers up to 1.35 kW from EUR 4,499 and the 4.35 by 3 metre model up to 1.8 kW for EUR 5,499. Two awnings have run at a cafe in Cologne since April 2026.

Price per kilowatt is the comparison point. The Fraunhofer ISE study Stromgestehungskosten Erneuerbare Energien, dated 6 August 2024, puts specific investment cost between EUR 900 and EUR 1,600 per kW for German rooftop systems of up to 30 kW.

The gap reflects the product's dual function, replacing the awning and generating power. The announcement consulted does not state service life or a performance warranty, and that figure is what determines how much of the investment comes back over time.

For the buyer, the case closes on the value of shading plus generation, not on cost per kW alone. For the sector, the indicator to watch is how the first units perform in the field, today around ten installations.