Frequently asked questions

What is SOLAR?

SOLAR stands for Sustainable Off-grid Living-labs for Autonomy and Research. Stichting SOLAR is a non-profit foundation that develops knowledge about sustainable and autonomous living, tests that knowledge in practice and shares everything freely.

What does off-grid mean at SOLAR?

Not depending on the grid, but providing for what you need yourself. We are working towards that step by step. Our first facility will be hybrid: connected to the grid, but partly self-sufficient, so we can properly test everything in practice. The ultimate goal is a complete, fully self-sufficient off-grid facility.

What is a living lab?

A real place where we build, test and document sustainable and autonomous living systems, such as energy, food, water and housing. We publish what we learn there openly. Read more about our first facility on The SOLAR facility.

Does the SOLAR facility exist yet?

No. The first facility is a proposal and has not been approved, funded or built yet. That first facility will be hybrid; read more on The SOLAR facility.

What are the nine hubs?

We have grouped our future projects into nine themes, the hubs: Helios (energy), Athena (knowledge & education), Hephaistos (materials & building), Demeter (food), Prometheus (technology), Asklepios (health), Persephone (waste & cycles), Hestia (community) and Poseidon (water). See the projects

Why Greek gods?

Each hub is named after a Greek god or goddess whose specialty fits the theme: Helios is the sun god, Demeter the goddess of the harvest, Poseidon the god of the sea. Each hub page explains who the god is and why they fit.

What is the SOLAR Archive?

The SOLAR Archive (archive.solar) is our open knowledge archive on sustainability and autonomous living, freely accessible to everyone. You can look around as a guest, without an account. The archive is online, but still very much under development. More about the archive

How can I help?

Sign up as a volunteer and choose the themes that appeal to you. You can help with our projects, or collect and organise knowledge for the SOLAR Archive as an archivist. You can also apply by email to contact@stichting.solar. We'll then get in touch to see what suits you. You'll have one contact person. Volunteers may receive an allowance within the Dutch legal volunteer scheme.

How can we work together?

We like to work with educational institutions, researchers, governments, community organisations and funders. Send us a message via the contact form and tell us briefly who you are and what you have in mind.

How can I donate?

Preferably by bank transfer to NL14 TRIO 0321 2883 27 (Triodos Bank) in the name of Stichting SOLAR, with the reference "Gift" and, if you like, the purpose: general, archive or living lab. More about donating

Is my gift tax-deductible?

No. Stichting SOLAR is a non-profit foundation, but it does not have ANBI status. Gifts are therefore not tax-deductible.

Where does my gift go?

To our purpose: the knowledge archive, research and living labs, education and publications, and the costs of running the foundation. Our board members are unpaid. Read more on our Transparency page.

Where is Stichting SOLAR based?

In Pijnacker, the Netherlands.

How do I get in touch?

Email contact@stichting.solar or use the contact form.