Solara is an innovative addition to our awning line that does something no other type of awning can. Solara opens and closes to suit the weather. It is a permanent structure that can be added over an existing pergola, made free standing, or partially supported by the building. Because it can be made in any shape and any size and does not have to be retracted in bad weather like a retractable and can be opened for sunlight at the twist of a crank or at the touch of a button, Solara fills a need that neither of these products addressed.

Solara consists of a set of hollow rafters that have a lifting mechanism inside. The roof surface is a series of “Z” shaped slats. The slats can be opened or closed in all weather to provide light, shade, or weather protection. The system is uniquely flexible because it can be made into any shape, and can be “zoned” so that part of the Solara area can be can be open while one part is closed. It is available in several colors and even features a unique “cleaning mode” where the slats are rotated so the top faces downward and can be sprayed off from the bottom.

Yes, it does snow in Virginia. Yes, Solara can be constructed to meet IBC standards of 30 psf of snow load.