Solar energyHow does it work?

There are multiple methods to convert solar energy into heat or electricity.

1) the active use of solar energy leads to the production of electricity or heat.

2) the passive use aims to maximize the amount of energy received and stored by the buildings.

The 3 main uses active solar energy are:

- solar cooker : made up of hundreds of mirrors oriented to a central receiver.

- Photovoltaic Energy : converts sunlight into electricity.

- Water Heating : a solar water heater is made of dark metal plates that absorb the sun's rays...

The use of passive solar energy is to benefit the direct input of solar radiation.

Voltaic Solar Bag and the solar verandaVoltaic Solar Bag and the solar veranda

- The U.S. company Voltaic System offers various types of bags and luggage all have in common that they are equipped with photovoltaic cells. So you can recharge your laptops, phones and other MP3 players.

- Veranda Solar was selected for second prize at the PICNIC Green Challenge and won 100,000 Euros. Veranda Solar makes affordable, solar panels that hang out your window or clip to gutters and balconies.

The Eric Wasser HeliodomeThe Eric Wasser Heliodome - The Heliodome is a fixed architectural volume , determined by the trajectory of the sun in its annual cycle.

- Its shape is designed according to the movement of the sun, its interior volume is completely sunny in winter and at the shade in summer.

- The sunlight inundates the interior during the day, so maximizes the light and caloric inside of Heliodome.

Zerokill, solar powered wild animal warning systemZerokill, solar powered wild animal warning system

Awarded a Red Dot Design Award 2009.

Design for both the animals and the human beings. Here, they propose a road facility that can protect both the animals and drivers from such misfortunes.

1) The reflectors can create a zone of light through the headlights of cars. Zerokill reflects the car's headlight and let the animals nearby know that a car is coming.

2) Each pole is equipped with an infrared sensor to detect animals and possibly remove from the road.

Solar façade element SolFasBy Ernst Schweizer AG, Translucent thermal insulation has three main uses :

- the passive exploitation of solar energy

- as an insulated light source

- and for heating hot-water collectors

The SolFas solar façade element transforms sunlight into heat, thereby reducing heating energy requirements.

Light is converted directly into heat according to the principle of translucent thermal insulation.

HelioranHelioran

Translucent Heat Insulation made from Glass

- Regulate the flow of solar energy into the building.- Garanteeing a pleasant room temperature and daylight conditions for the user

Helioran is an ideal material for attractive energy façades as it is thermally stable, colour fast, resistant to UV radiation and not inflammable.