Israel is a sun-drenched country, with more than 300 sunny days a year. When we went looking for a solution to protect us from the scorching summer sun—but also from rain and wind—we came across Solaris, a company specializing in shading solutions. Something about the photos on the company’s website, the clean and precise design of the products, made us pause. Before long, we found ourselves in a meeting with Shay Lev-Ran, VP of Marketing and one of the three brothers leading the company—all former combat unit soldiers, proudly promoting high-quality Israeli manufacturing and straightforward customer service.
“We work with all types of shading solutions, from retractable awnings operated by the push of a button, to fixed pergolas and advanced electric systems,” he explains. “Beyond shading, we offer a complete solution that allows people to expand their living space quickly and efficiently, without the need for complex building permits.”
From the Entrance Gate to the Backyard Pergola
Solaris is part of the Gotlieb Group—a strong Israeli group operating for 15 years, specializing in manufacturing aluminum fences and gates. “We acquired Solaris to expand our product range,” says Lev-Ran, “to offer a comprehensive solution for both private homes and apartments, from the entrance gate to the pergola in the yard or on the balcony.”
While most shading solutions in Israel come from Turkey—imported as complete products—Solaris exclusively imports system components from the BAT Group in Italy and assembles everything at its factory in the Barkan industrial zone.
“It’s not just about quality,” Lev-Ran emphasizes. “When we have all the parts here, including spare parts, we’re not dependent on external factors—not on strikes, not on political disputes, and not on other delays. The customer receives a product that’s planned and manufactured exactly to their needs—with fast delivery times and peace of mind throughout the process.”
How do you turn a pergola into something functional, aesthetic, and even a real estate asset?
“On one hand, a pergola’s role is to provide shade, but on the other hand, people worry it will darken their interior. That’s exactly why we chose the GENNIUS ITALY pergola—an electric pergola with PVC sheets that open and close at the push of a button. When you want shade—you open it, and when you want light—you close it. That flexibility changes the entire living experience in the home.”
A Pergola Is Not Just for Shade
The GENNIUS ITALY pergola—true to its name—is a genius pergola and the company’s flagship product, known for its exceptional quality. “In recent years,” notes Lev-Ran, “we’ve seen a several-hundred-percent increase in demand for these pergolas because they are the perfect solution—combining aesthetics and functionality, offering full protection from sun and rain, stylish design, optional built-in LED lighting, and a great price.”
But the biggest advantage lies in the added value they give to the property. You don’t need us to tell you how much real estate prices in Israel keep rising. Solutions like those offered by Solaris allow you to expand your living space without complex construction processes and without needing special permits.
“The real estate reality in Israel is challenging,” explains Lev-Ran. “Prices are high and space is limited. We offer a way to turn a balcony or yard into an additional room, in less time and money than a traditional renovation. In just one day, the home can be expanded to include a new functional area—thereby increasing the property’s value accordingly.”
When it comes to enclosing a balcony or yard, Solaris offers a wide range of solutions tailored to the terrain and the customer’s personal needs.
First and foremost—all types of awnings, fixed or electric, made of Austrian Dralon fabric, fire-resistant and water-repellent.
Alongside these, the company offers fixed and electric pergolas in a clean, modern design, as well as airtight enclosures for balconies in apartment buildings and yards in private homes—using “Panoramica glass” that slides easily and folds completely to the side, creating a sense of openness between you and the view.
In addition, it’s possible to integrate a Zip screen awning system—an external electric shading system using zipper technology that moves along concealed tracks. This system provides optimal summer shade and, just as important, protection against mosquitoes and other flying insects common in the hot season. It also provides rain and wind protection in winter, and year-round privacy—you can see outside, but no one can see in. Seen but not visible.
The goal is to create an outdoor space that is pleasant to spend time in—without disconnecting from the surroundings. “We don’t want to isolate the customer from the view,” explains Lev-Ran, “but rather bring the view into the home and create a natural sense of continuity between indoors and outdoors.”
Transparent Process, Precise Result
Solaris manages to deliver accurate and rapid solutions thanks to how products are delivered to customers. Unlike the common practice in the industry of importing finished products from abroad, Solaris imports parts from Italy and assembles everything here in Israel.
Why not just import everything ready-made and avoid the headache?
“Because it doesn’t avoid the headache—on the contrary. Importing a finished product doesn’t allow for flexibility and control. If there’s a small mistake in size or fit—it’s very hard to fix. When we import the parts and assemble them here, we have full control over the process. We can make adjustments until the last minute and provide quicker solutions to customers.”
Throughout our conversation, Lev-Ran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of professionalism at every stage of the process—from the initial call with the customer, to measurement, planning, and installation. “All our installers,” he proudly notes, “are company employees—not subcontractors. That ensures commitment and quality throughout.”
Walk me through the process—what happens from the moment a customer reaches out until the pergola is installed at their home?
“It all starts with an initial meeting with a design and sales consultant who defines the needs based on the structure and the customer’s preferences. After the deal is finalized, a professional measurer arrives for precise measurements. Then, the engineering department models the area using 3D software and fits the product to it, so the customer can see exactly how it will look. After the customer approves the design, the product goes into production—and then we come to install it on-site.”
A Story of Israeli Success
When everyone is talking about pride in blue-and-white, Solaris shows how it’s done—with Israeli labor and local manufacturing that starts with quality and ends with service.
With the first heat wave already approaching, Solaris offers a smart, practical, and aesthetic solution. “People are spending more time at home, especially after COVID and during the war,” notes Lev-Ran. “They want to maximize the use of every possible space and make the outdoors part of the home.”
To schedule a no-obligation shading consultation at your home, call 1-800-666-686
For more information about Solaris’s wide range of customized solutions, click >>
In collaboration with Gotlieb Aluminum Group
