# Solar technologies **URL:** https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/c/solar-technologies/6.md [Latest](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/tags.md) --- ## [About the Solar technologies category](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/about-the-solar-technologies-category/13)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0
Technologies and solutions, which might possibly be useful for architectural culture. --- ## [Solar energy as primary energy resource](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solar-energy-as-primary-energy-resource/134)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 3:09pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solar-energy-as-primary-energy-resource/134 "2026-09-07T15:09:28Z")
Humanity produces and consumes around 630Ej (or 20TW) yearly Sun yearly irradiates around 23 000 Tw on land mass only, with theoretical loss of 65% discounted. That is roughly 2000Ej (or 63TWyr) or per day, more than tr… --- ## [Water purifying eco-machine](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/water-purifying-eco-machine/118)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2025, 11:33am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/water-purifying-eco-machine/118 "2025-04-11T11:33:52Z")
A really beautiful imagery and story about purifying water by nurturing local biosystems in series. Instead of describing that, I’ll just plain copy a post by ellie (dyke arc) - I hope she’s ok with that. just lea… --- ## [Solar cookers](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solar-cookers/84)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2025, 8:34am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solar-cookers/84 "2025-03-17T08:34:12Z")
There is an institution called “Solar Cookers International”, who work for providing cooking solutions for people in lack of fuel and other resources. They also built a wonderful wiki-library of different solar cooke… --- ## [China plans for 1km² Dyson sphere segment in 2035](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/china-plans-for-1km-dyson-sphere-segment-in-2035/115)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2025, 8:32am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/china-plans-for-1km-dyson-sphere-segment-in-2035/115 "2025-01-24T08:32:32Z")
Beaming solar energy from space is taken seriously. China / Helsinki collab already built a transmission module prototype for ground testing: Low orbit 1MW testing is expected in 2030 (phase 2). Phases 3 and 4, i… --- ## [Oleksandr Sohokon. Solar inventor from Kharkiv](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/oleksandr-sohokon-solar-inventor-from-kharkiv/114)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2025, 11:16am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/oleksandr-sohokon-solar-inventor-from-kharkiv/114 "2025-01-21T11:16:17Z")
Similarly to Sergey Yurko, he invents and showcases solar equipment, but his work is focused on Solar concentrators. Unfortunately I couldnt find his real name or any contact information… https://www.youtube.com/@sy… --- ## [Himawari: a solar optic fiber lighting device by LaForet from Japan](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/himawari-a-solar-optic-fiber-lighting-device-by-laforet-from-japan/113)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2025, 8:14am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/himawari-a-solar-optic-fiber-lighting-device-by-laforet-from-japan/113 "2025-01-21T08:14:46Z")
Optic fiber cables transport Sunlight from Sun tracker to the interior of your building, to bring natural spectrum and sense of the outside to different spaces, from domestic to vertical farms. Himawari means Sunflow… --- ## [Nomadic bike shelters by Paul Elkins](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/nomadic-bike-shelters-by-paul-elkins/112)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 10:25pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/nomadic-bike-shelters-by-paul-elkins/112 "2025-01-10T22:25:55Z")
Quite a spirit of freedom. Also, small is beautiful: saves resources and forces a lot of attention to detail. Look at this bamboo frame, @mariha ! https://elkinsdiy.com/category/projects/shelters/mobile-shel… --- ## [Helium filled high altitude generator](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/helium-filled-high-altitude-generator/109)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2024, 8:53am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/helium-filled-high-altitude-generator/109 "2024-12-10T08:53:02Z")
Solarpunk imagery is often filled with similar-looking balloons, yet I never found information on feasible models. Probably price-efficiency ratio is not feasible, not mentioning technical challenges. This helium fi… --- ## [Domestic and commercial heliostats](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/domestic-and-commercial-heliostats/91)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 2:19pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/domestic-and-commercial-heliostats/91 "2024-12-03T14:19:31Z")
Heliostats allow control of direct sun light, so I see them as a very promising and interesting component of Solar architecture. We have a tag heliostat in this collection to mark all their uses in architecture, but let’… --- ## [Photosynthesis for futuristic speculation](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/photosynthesis-for-futuristic-speculation/108)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 2:15pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/photosynthesis-for-futuristic-speculation/108 "2024-12-03T14:15:43Z")
Imagine how our daily infrastructures would change if direct sunlight would be accessible as energy through our living cells. What would such change do to our lifestyles? To our cities and architecture? --- ## [59 steps to be on air - by sun power. By Tomás Saraceno](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/59-steps-to-be-on-air-by-sun-power-by-tomas-saraceno/74)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2024, 8:55am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/59-steps-to-be-on-air-by-sun-power-by-tomas-saraceno/74 "2024-11-09T08:55:41Z")
It took me a while to find this abandoned project by Tomás Saraceno. The project from 2003 is a set of instructions for the public, detailing how to make a hot air baloon inflated by the sun using mainly garbage bags. … --- ## [Green light wavelength-selective organic solar tech for greenhouses](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/green-light-wavelength-selective-organic-solar-tech-for-greenhouses/99)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2024, 8:32am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/green-light-wavelength-selective-organic-solar-tech-for-greenhouses/99 "2024-09-13T08:32:58Z")
By using selective spectrum transmission/absorbtion, these cells are both optimized for electricity generation and photosynthesis of plants behind the panels. Physics of color promise us red-shaded greenhouse architectur… --- ## [Solarpunk Pioneers Fund](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solarpunk-pioneers-fund/94)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2024, 8:19am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solarpunk-pioneers-fund/94 "2024-07-02T08:19:49Z")
Technische Hochschule Augsburg launched a fund for open source Solarpunk fund. This year it is experimental and only their students are eligible. Projects could, for example, deal with passive systems or research new … --- ## [Smelting Steel Without Fossil Fuels: Solar Power Shatters the 1,000°C Barrier](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/smelting-steel-without-fossil-fuels-solar-power-shatters-the-1-000-c-barrier/88)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2024, 4:16am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/smelting-steel-without-fossil-fuels-solar-power-shatters-the-1-000-c-barrier/88 "2024-05-25T04:16:40Z")
A technology of heat trapping with synthetic quartz, aiming at industrial steel smelting and cement production. Proof of concept stage. --- ## [Solar concentrator buildings](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solar-concentrator-buildings/86)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 11:45am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solar-concentrator-buildings/86 "2024-05-24T11:45:15Z")
There seem to be only two of them, in France and in Uzbekistan. Both seem to operate as scientific laboratories. Uzbekistan, near Parkent \[1987\] https://englishrussia.com/2012/01/25/the-solar-furnace-of-uzbekistan/ … --- ## [The converted hydrogen car (and solar concentrator) of Jean-Luc Perrier](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/the-converted-hydrogen-car-and-solar-concentrator-of-jean-luc-perrier/83)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 6:10pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/the-converted-hydrogen-car-and-solar-concentrator-of-jean-luc-perrier/83 "2024-04-22T18:10:45Z")
Jean-Luc Perrier’s solar concentrator (50 kW) was able to transform solar energy into hydrogen by electrolysis of the water. The concentrator heated the water inside its central furnace, producing the pressurized stea… --- ## [River stream ferry "Uperis"](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/river-stream-ferry-uperis/75)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 5:54pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/river-stream-ferry-uperis/75 "2024-04-18T17:54:46Z")
Roughly 10 years ago we had a chance to build a stream-powered pendulum ferry in Vilnius, which connected two river banks for pedestrians and cyclists for a couple of years. And this was how a prototype to test… --- ## [Direct solar to hydrogen - another potential breakthrough](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/direct-solar-to-hydrogen-another-potential-breakthrough/81)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2024, 2:58pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/direct-solar-to-hydrogen-another-potential-breakthrough/81 "2024-04-14T14:58:09Z")
Original paper dated 2023. Found in Matt Ferrel’s clip: --- ## [Perovskite: improving photovoltaics](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/perovskite-improving-photovoltaics/82)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 8:51am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/perovskite-improving-photovoltaics/82 "2024-04-18T08:51:36Z")
Current commercial photovoltaic cells are made of sylicon and reach up to 22 % efficiency with theoretical maximum between 29% and 39% according to different data (this is why I’m so interested in direct light and hea… --- ## [Сергей Юрко \[Sergey Yurko\] - Ukrainian youtuber and inventor](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/sergey-yurko-ukrainian-youtuber-and-inventor/73)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 8:00am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/sergey-yurko-ukrainian-youtuber-and-inventor/73 "2024-04-18T08:00:42Z")
He is a prominent Ukrainian youtuber and inventor, who experiments a lot with solar energy and generously explains them in depth. Сергей also observes many international projects and trends, albeit all in russian. Numbe… --- ## [Concentrator and storage system by Vladan Petrović](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/concentrator-and-storage-system-by-vladan-petrovic/71)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2024, 10:54am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/concentrator-and-storage-system-by-vladan-petrovic/71 "2024-03-03T10:54:41Z")
An intriguing coupling of solar concentrator and heat storage promises a revolution. The main invention seems to be some unique kind of cheap and efficient insulation for heat storage. Sadly all the articles I found i… --- ## [8rad by Nico Jungel](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/8rad-by-nico-jungel/67)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2024, 6:57am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/8rad-by-nico-jungel/67 "2024-03-01T06:57:46Z")
This is just a weirdly shaped bike (8ike?), but it is also solarpunk and obviously architecture. Artist Nico Jungel firstly built a cargo bike almost as big as German traffic rules allow (5x2m), then equipped it with so… --- ## [Sun + Sand = Sinter](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/sun-sand-sinter/63)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2024, 2:16pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/sun-sand-sinter/63 "2024-02-28T14:16:44Z")
Concentrating Sun rays onto desert sand with enough precision can 3d print a glass object. That is what Markus Kaiser did as a design project. --- ## [Concentrators of Padre Himalaya](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/concentrators-of-padre-himalaya/18)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2024, 8:40am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/concentrators-of-padre-himalaya/18 "2024-02-20T08:40:56Z")
Inventor Manuel António Gomes, also known as Padre Himalaya, in 1890 built a solar concentrator reaching 1500 degrees Celsius, and in 1904 going up to 4000 degrees. Apparently there are at least two communities dedicate… --- ## [Fresnel concentrator wall](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/fresnel-concentrator-wall/51)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 9:44am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/fresnel-concentrator-wall/51 "2024-02-22T09:44:07Z")
We built an an experimental solar concentrator for flat surface, with architectural applications in mind. The budget was quite low, so most of it went to a plastic mirror sheet. I made a blender simulat… --- ## [Solar thermal collector](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solar-thermal-collector/55)
**Author:** [@briterator](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/briterator)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 4:09pm UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/solar-thermal-collector/55 "2024-02-22T16:09:32Z")
One of the main uses humans have for energy is heating their homes, workshops, and food. However, converting solar energy to electricity, and electricity to heat, is extremely wasteful. That technique requires solar pane… --- ## [Really effective tinfoil hat](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/really-effective-tinfoil-hat/50)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 8:30am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/really-effective-tinfoil-hat/50 "2024-02-22T08:30:58Z")
During the Generator workshop I had an urge to cover my head, and had some aluminum tape around. So I just joined it, by removing the protective foil from places where I wanted it to stick. It was a super quick job, and … --- ## [On artificial skins](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/on-artificial-skins/33)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 4:36am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/on-artificial-skins/33 "2024-02-22T04:36:22Z")
I like to think about architecture as a third skin. A layer of protection, which also gives a face, an appearance. It becomes a tool of communication signalling your traits and vallues. Architecture is media, which almos… --- ## [Clothing technologies for cooling](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/clothing-technologies-for-cooling/34)
**Author:** [@Justinas](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/u/Justinas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 4:44am UTC](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/t/clothing-technologies-for-cooling/34 "2024-02-22T04:44:37Z")
Konrad Rykaczewski researches clothing for cooling, leaning both on Dune and on XVIIth century fashion. [Next page](https://solarpunkarchitecture.org/c/solar-technologies/6.md?page=1)