Propose your project
Do you have an idea that makes the world a little more sustainable? Stichting SOLAR is looking for projects that are genuinely feasible and can grow: from a small trial to more places. Whether it's about energy, water, food, materials or community: we'd love to hear from you.
Who can propose a project?
Anyone with a well-founded idea is welcome:
Individuals – with an idea from practice or from your own surroundings.
Students – for example from your studies, an internship or graduation research.
Researchers – who want to apply their knowledge or share it openly.
Companies – that want to work together on sustainable production and open knowledge.
Communities – neighbourhoods, associations and initiatives that want to set something up together.
You don't need a ready-made plan. A clear problem and a realistic idea for a solution are a good start.
What do we look at?
We only take on projects that are genuinely feasible and scalable. That's why we look at these points:
Feasible – the project can start with realistic resources: people, money, materials and time that can actually be found.
Scalable – what works in a small trial can then be applied in more places or on a larger scale.
Fits SOLAR – the project contributes to our mission and fits one of our nine hubs. Doesn't it fit anywhere? Then explain why a new hub is needed.
Sustainable – the project is good for people and the environment, in the long term too.
Open knowledge – what we learn together, we share openly, for example through archive.solar.
Safe and legal – the project complies with the law and puts no one at risk.
Health: non-clinical – for health projects (Asklepios) we focus on prevention, a healthy living environment and awareness. SOLAR treats no one.
Our hubs
Helios: Energy
Athena: Knowledge & education
Hephaistos: Materials & building
Demeter: Food
Prometheus: Technology
Asklepios: Health (non-clinical)
Persephone: Waste & cycles
Hestia: Community
Poseidon: Water
What happens after you send it?
Receipt – we let you know we've received your proposal.
First look – the board reads your proposal and checks whether it fits the points above.
Contact – if we have questions or see opportunities, we get in touch by email. Sometimes we ask for more explanation or a short conversation.
Decision – we let you know whether we'll take on the project. We don't work with a fixed deadline, but you'll always hear from us.
Inclusion – an approved project is added to the right hub on the site, or gets a new hub. Then we look together at how to take it forward, for example with volunteers, partners or funds.
Everyone who sends in a proposal gets a response.
Tell us about your project
Read our privacy policy before you send the form.
Prefer email? Send your proposal to contact@stichting.solar.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns my idea once I send it in?
Your idea stays yours. By sending it in, you only give us permission to read and assess it. If we go further together, we make clear agreements beforehand. Because SOLAR shares knowledge openly, we then discuss together what will be made public. Want to keep something secret, such as a pending patent? Then don't put it in the form. If we take on your idea, we share it openly and name you as its originator.
Do I get paid for my proposal?
No. Sending in a proposal is voluntary and unpaid. If your project is taken on, we look together for people, partners and resources to carry it out.
Does it cost anything to send in a proposal?
No, sending one in is free.
What if my proposal isn't chosen?
That doesn't mean it's a bad idea. Sometimes it doesn't fit our hubs (yet), or it isn't feasible right now with the resources available. You're welcome to adjust your idea and send it in again later. And of course you're always welcome to join other projects as a volunteer.
My idea doesn't fit any hub. Can I still send it in?
Yes. Choose "New hub / not sure" and explain why it matters. If several strong ideas in the same direction come in, a new hub may be added.
May I propose a health project?
Yes, as long as it's non-clinical: think of prevention, a healthy living environment or measuring the quality of air, water and food. SOLAR treats no one.