Photovoltaic and Art

Solar cells can also be a powerful artistic tool. Artistic portfolio of solar cells and/or photovoltaic modules include sculptures like trees, sails, sundials, abstract statues etc. Perhaps the most sophisticated artistic application of solar cells is their use in special architectural glass applications.


Szymon Klimek

Szymon Klimek achieved a Master of Sciences (Engineering) degree. His first model was a locomotive with a coal wagon (tender) at a total length of 80 mm. After that he built more than 100 miniatures like cars and stationary steam engines. A part of his amazing portfolio are also micromachines powered by solar cells.


Szymon Klimek's micromachines, courtesy Szymon Klimek Szymon Klimek's micromachines, courtesy Szymon Klimek

Szymon Klimek's micromachines, courtesy Szymon Klimek Szymon Klimek's micromachines, courtesy Szymon Klimek Szymon Klimek's micromachines, courtesy Szymon Klimek

Symon Klimek's micromachines powered by solar cells
(Courtesy: Szymon Klimek)


Sarah Hall

Sarah Hall is one of North America's best known stained glass artists. Her work has received numerous awards for outstanding liturgical art from the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture and Ministry and Liturgy. These include several International First Place 'Bene Awards' Outstanding Liturgical Art and Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects.


Staied glass, courtesy Sarah Hall Staied glass, courtesy Sarah Hall Staied glass, courtesy Sarah Hall

Stained glass with solar cells - Sarah Hall's projects
(Courtesy: Sarah Hall)

Ms. Hall was elected into membership of the Royal Canadian Academy of Art, an honour achieved by only five Canadian glass artists in the history of the Academy. Her exceptional contribution to the built environment was honoured in 1997 by the Ontario Association of Architects "Allied Arts Award".

Recommended Books

www Hall, Sarah, (2007), The Color of Light: Commissioning Stained Glass for a Church; Liturgy Training Publications, ISBN 978-1568543116.
www Hall, Sarah, (2011), The Glass Art of Sarah Hall: Glassalmerai Peters, ISBN 978-0986870408.

Spotlight Solar

Spotlight Solar makes solar systems which look like sculpture. Our intent is to make clean energy more visible and attractive, to inspire wider adoption. Spotlight's products are designed to complement other environmental investments, like rooftop solar systems, which tend to be hidden. By creating an engaging touch-point, Spotlight hopes to add new value to environmental investments through image value. Stakeholders, whether they be customers, students, employees, or the public, will be reminded of the owner's sustainability efforts, with associated benefit.


Spotlight Solar Spotlight Solar Spotlight Solar

Spotlight Solar Spotlight Solar

Spotlight Solar's artistic products
(Courtesy: Spotlight Solar)


MStudio

Owned by Miguel Merino "mstudio" is the source of outstanding photographs. Miguel's portfolio also includes amazing snapshots of environment and photovoltaic power plants.


courtesy mstudio courtesy mstudio courtesy mstudio

Photovoltaic power plants
(courtesy: mstudio)

Solarsail Münsingen

Photovoltaic array "Solarsail" is one of the most beautiful examples of solar art worldwide. Array located in Münsingen, Switzerland with peak power of 8,2 kWp and an area of 85 m2, produces about 6500 kWh of energy annually. It consists of about one houndred modules and it reaches impressive height of 22  m. Its windproof steel construction is anchored into ground. Annual yield optimization is achieved by slightly inclined construction. "Solarsail" was awarded by many awards - it received Prix eta+ 1999 award and International Design Award. More...


Solarsail, courtesy Verein Sonnensegel Solarsail, courtesy Verein Sonnensegel Solarsail, courtesy Verein Sonnensegel

Solarsail Münsingen, Switzerland
(Courtesy: Verein Sonnensegel)

Thomas Lindsey's Solarworks

Inspired by the work of Dale Eldred, Thomas Lindsey draws on his background as an architect and sculptor to develop a series of large solar-powered installations. Each of these installations is made of a kinetic wheel, cone, or drum activated by a set of photovoltaic solar cells. A tracking device will be used to direct the cells at the sun's path. By using solar energy as a power source, Lindsey hopes to encourage the use of environment-friendly energy sources as the issue of global warming becomes more urgent. More...


Thomas Lindsey's Solarworks, credit Thomas Lindsey Thomas Lindsey's Solarworks, credit Thomas Lindsey Thomas Lindsey's Solarworks, credit Thomas Lindsey

Thomas Lindsey's Solarworks, credit Thomas Lindsey Thomas Lindsey's Solarworks, credit Thomas Lindsey Thomas Lindsey's Solarworks, credit Thomas Lindsey

Thomas Lindsey's Solarworks
(images courtesy/copyright: Stanford SOLAR Center,

Solarstraße Gleisdorf

There aren't many cities in the world like the Austrian town Gleisdorf, which built solar energy sample buildings and devices. Major atractions is "Solar Street" in Gleisdorf. The "Solar Street" is a 3.5 km long street section, where you can find around 80 sample objects powered by photovoltaic systems, such as a public solar clock, advertising boards and street lights. Solar cells have also been used in art. Along the road you may find solar fontain, sundial, solar tree etc. all powered by solar energy. Even artistic creations like solar tree are connected with public grid. The largest photovoltaic system in the street is a facade-integrated system with a 10 kW peak power. Complete office building electricity demands will be covered by the system. The photovoltaic system solar collectors and transparent insolation are also used within the building. The headquarters of AEE (Austrian Society for Renewables) is another interesting example of a passive solar house with solar thermal energy application and photovoltaic system placed on the roof.


Solar tree, Gleisdorf, credit pvresources Sundial, Gleisdorf, credit pvresources Solar fountain, Gleisdorf, credit pvresources

Solar tree, sundial and solar fountain in Gleisdorf, Austria
(credit: pvresources)


Solar Art - Web Sites