In an era where car sunroofs were merely glass windows to the sky, Renault has introduced a game-changing technology that turns a simple sunroof into a high-tech wonder. Dubbed “Solarbay,” this opacifying sunroof is the newest addition to Renault’s Rafale E-Tech full hybrid and Scenic E-Tech electric models, making sunny drives a comfortable and customizable experience.
Forget about the days of struggling with sunshades. Solarbay, a joint venture between Renault and Saint-Gobain Sekurit, brings the future to the present with its ability to switch from transparent to opaque in a blink, thanks to a smart button or even smarter voice commands through Google Assistant.
Anne-Chloé Kort, the brain behind the Scenic E-Tech Electric, and Gregory Launay, the maestro of Rafale Product Performance, explain how Solarbay is not just a roof but a revolution. It’s not only about blocking out the sun; it’s about doing it in style, with a mesmerizing “wave” effect across its nine glass segments.
This panoramic marvel isn’t just for show. It’s practical, allowing drivers and passengers to enjoy the light without the heat, and vice versa. Children can play or nap in the back, shielded from the sun’s glare, while adults bask in the light upfront, thanks to Solarbay’s customizable settings.
But there’s more to Solarbay than meets the eye. Its temperature control feature ensures that the inside of the car remains comfortable, regardless of whether it’s a freezing winter day or a scorching summer afternoon. And when the car is off, Solarbay automatically turns opaque to maintain the interior’s comfort, resuming its previous setting once the engine roars to life again.
Apart from being a technological marvel, Solarbay is also a nod to practicality and efficiency. By eliminating the traditional sunshade, it not only offers an extra 3 cm of headroom – a boon for the taller folks – but also reduces the car’s weight by 6 to 8 kg, contributing to better fuel efficiency.
At the heart of Solarbay lies the AmpliSky system from Saint-Gobain Sekurit, utilizing advanced PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology. This innovation allows the displacement of molecules between two glass sheets to control the roof’s opacity, placing Renault at the forefront of affordable, mainstream automotive innovation.
Gregory Launay proudly states, “Renault is the first generalist carmaker to offer this technology. We’re not just ahead of the curve; we’re redefining it, offering high-end performance at an accessible price.”
In conclusion, the Solarbay sunroof is more than just an accessory; it’s a testament to Renault’s commitment to innovation and comfort. It’s an invitation to experience the sky like never before – a true “voiture à vivre” for everyone on board the Rafale and Scenic.
