SolarVille: Empowering Communities with Sustainable Energy

A Cooperative Micro-Grid Revolution

Today, approximately 1.1 billion people around the world still lack access to electricity. The existing centralized energy systems are often slow and economically inadequate to reach these individuals trapped in energy poverty. SolarVille, a groundbreaking project by SPACE10, aims to address this challenge and revolutionize the way we think about energy distribution.

SolarVille is a fully functioning prototype built to a 1:50 scale. It showcases how the combination of solar panels and blockchain technology can make clean energy more affordable and accessible for many. In this cooperative micro-grid, some households install solar panels to become makers and traders of clean energy, while others automatically purchase the electricity generated within their local community. This self-sufficiency makes SolarVille a game-changer in the quest for sustainable energy.

The design of SolarVille involves outfitting houses within a community with rooftop solar panels and inverters that harness the energy of the sun. The energy is then stored in battery systems located beneath the homes. This stored energy can be redistributed through a wiring system connected to other households, creating a standalone micro-grid. To ensure transparency and security, blockchain distributed ledger technology is used to log and manage the energy flow, verifying and recording transactions, and self-executing when certain conditions are met.

SolarVille's unique strength lies in its ability to empower communities and create hyper-localized economies. By democratizing access to clean energy, it not only addresses the energy poverty issue but also stimulates economic growth within the community. The money spent on electricity stays within the community, fostering self-sufficiency and economic resilience.

The project, which began in September 2018 and launched in February 2019, has garnered international recognition. SolarVille has embarked on a global tour, starting with an exhibition at the UN Habitat in Nairobi and subsequent showcases in Delhi and Shenzhen. This tour aims to raise awareness about the potential of solar power and cooperative micro-grids in transforming communities and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Alongside the project, SPACE10 has released a report titled 'A Brighter Tomorrow,' providing further insights into the research behind SolarVille. The report emphasizes the importance of solar power as a sustainable energy source and highlights its potential to combat climate change.

One of the key challenges faced during the design process was creating an inclusive architectural language that transcended cultural boundaries. SolarVille's design incorporates building details and city structures from different cultures and countries, ensuring that it resonates with diverse communities worldwide.

The innovative and impactful design of SolarVille has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Energy Products, Projects, and Devices category in 2020. This award acknowledges the project's outstanding creativity, technical prowess, and contribution to improving quality of life by incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology.