(Archive) Biosphere Solar

The solar panels of today are yet to meet the requirements of our future: toxic components, downcycling and waste, as well as human rights exploitation and pollution all taint the upstream supply chain of our so-called ‘green energy’. It is time to redesign our future, and to bring to the solar industry standards of circularity and fairness.

To strive for a symbiocene means to allow for collaboration and symbiosis between nature, humans, and technology. Under such standards, it is crucial to acknowledge that business-as-usual will not suffice. By leading through example, Biosphere Solar is redesigning solar panels to allow the solar industry to transition towards circular products, and avoid the potentially catastrophic future which awaits humanity if our current system does not plan for long-term sustainability. By designing under circular principles, we allow products to be future-proof by ensuring that critical raw materials, finances, and energy are not lost at the end-of-life.

The Symbiocene is also a symbol of transparency and openness: symbiosis between elements of our system. It is a future where humanity has evolved to acknowledge and incorporate the potential of collaboration rather than competition. To align with this, Biosphere Solar utilises open-source principles to guide its development, engage its community, and bring standards to the solar industry.