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Founded by Helmut Köster, PhD

RETROSolar was born from the decades-long research of architect Dr. Helmut Köster, with 100+ patented mirror-optic daylighting innovations proven across 600,000 m² (6.5 million ft²) of buildings worldwide. Led by CEO Brigitte Köster, we credit early support from Germany’s DBU and BMWi and collaborations with TU Berlin’s Light Technology Institute (Prof. H. Kaase), Fraunhofer ISE, the University of Stuttgart’s IBP, TU Munich (Prof. B. Brügge), and physicist Kiril Velkovsky—the core team behind our RETROLux® systems and performance software.

Executive team

Brigette Koster
Managing Director
Phone: 06752 - 91 20 79
Cell: +49 (0) 172 6667396
Email: gf@retrosolar.de

Daniel Knodel

Lukas Graf
RETROSolar in dialogue with the future
Our Purpose
We had set ourselves the task of further developing conventional sun protection blinds into high-performance curtains by means of optical mirror slats and today realize previously unknown, highly striking efficiencies through the intelligence of our special optics:
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Significantly better g-values due to RETRO reflection of excess solar energy,
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Reduction of solar energy input by up to 80%,
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Simultaneous improvement of the diffuse light input to ensure glare-free room illumination with natural daylight spectra,
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daylight autonomous offices.
Paradigm shift
By means of the special mirror optics, the above functions and efficiencies are achieved in the horizontal slat position, which results in a simultaneous, excellent view of up to 85% of the curtains between the slats, even with active sun protection. The patented mirror optics of our licensor Dr.-Ing. Helmut Köster also open up perspectives for façade construction, for single- or double-skin façades, for insulating glass integrated solutions or even glass roof constructions.
Scientific basis
The optics are calculated using special radiation tracing software from the licensor, which enables an accurate determination of the total energy transmission as a function of the angle of incidence of the sun and savings in the total energy consumption of administrative buildings through power and cooling loads of up to 30%. In cooperation with façade construction, we support the development of façade concepts by determining the building physics parameters in the combination of light control with functional glass. We have the exact light distribution functions of our optics, which can be used to determine the interior illumination.
Social contribution
Our contribution is to enable significant energy savings and at the same time improve well-being in the workplace by using the natural, healthy light spectrum. In collaboration with architects, we bring the buildings into a dialogue with the sun and the seasons through openness, transparency and an intelligent defense against overheating. We protect the microclimate of our cities by RETRO reflection of the overheating sun back into the sky.
Active worldwide
Our products are already used worldwide from Europe to China, South Korea and Brazil. In these international projects, we have learned to deal with different cultures. This includes construction methods, craft traditions and forms of communication.
A look into the future: digitalization, automation, climate protection
For the coming years, we will be confronted with challenges of digitalization, automation and climate protection. We plan to win licensees worldwide and to develop further daylight technology-based products that meet the requirements for energy-saving construction better and better.
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