Innovation That Matters

Prototypes for the Sammanlänkad product line are made up of solar-powered batteries, shaped like circular domes | Photo source Inter IKEA Systems B.V., Little Sun

Solar panels with style move into the living room

Sustainability

Artist Olafur Eliasson is working with IKEA on producing energy-gathering products for the home

Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson is developing solar panel devices designed to fit comfortably in ones living room (and look good, too). His Germany-based social business project Little Sun will work with Swedish furniture giant IKEA on producing energy-gathering products for the home.

Prototypes for the Sammanlänkad product line are made up of solar-powered batteries, shaped like circular domes roughly the size of a human hand. They can be attached to windows, charging docks and lights. The plan is for a 2021 release in all IKEA markets.

Little Sun was founded by Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen with the goal of bringing sustainable and affordable energy to global communities, particularly those in remote locations. Its first project was to create a portable solar lamp for those without electricity in Ethiopia.

Now, by partnering with a major retailer, it may help push domestic solar devices into the mainstream.  

“We want to connect the world by sharing the power of the sun in order to promote a sustainable lifestyle,” Eliasson said. “The collaboration with IKEA is a huge opportunity to raise awareness for energy access and the urgent need for global solutions, while at the same time working with world-leading product designers.”

Email: ilove@littlesun.com

Website: littlesun.com

Contact: littlesun.com/contact/

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