{"id":12488,"date":"2025-09-04T13:50:32","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T17:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecoportal.net\/en\/?p=12488"},"modified":"2026-06-29T11:03:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T15:03:17","slug":"glowing-since-1989-solar-intersections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecoportal.net\/en\/glowing-since-1989-solar-intersections\/12488\/","title":{"rendered":"Since 1989 this solar artwork in Davis, California has been lighting up the night sky with color"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mankind has been utilizing solar energy for thousands of years. While its applications from then to now differ widely, it remains a useful source, not only from a practical point of view, but also from an artistic one. A certain solar artwork piece, called Solar Intersections, proves this point, as it has been glowing in pastel colors at night since 1989<\/a>. Modern and innovative solar designs such as this one could change how we view and utilize solar energy in architecture in the future.<\/p>\n

The evolution of solar energy: From then to now<\/h2>\n

Since ancient times, mankind has been inspired to turn to the sun<\/strong> for human use. In the 7th Century B.C., mankind harnessed sunlight with magnifying glasses to make fire, and in the 3rd Century B.C., the Romans and Greeks utilized solar energy for religious ceremonies by using mirrors to reflect the sunlight and light torches, as per Mackinnon and Partners.<\/p>\n

Fast forward a few thousand years, and we find ourselves in a swift technological advancement with increased global interconnectedness. Unfortunately, this era also faces severe climate change with troubling effects, not only on human health, but on the entire planet as a whole. Together, the world has pledged to use technological advancement to address climate change with renewable technologies<\/strong>, such as solar energy technologies.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, solar technologies face challenges in applications, especially in urban environments. According to Solar Hub SA, these challenges include shading from urban buildings, limited installation space, and visual pollution. However, a solar artwork called Solar Intersections could change our perspective on solar designs in urban environments and in general.<\/p>\n

The Solar Intersections could change our perspective<\/h2>\n

Those of you who have been to Davis, California, would have been awe-struck by colorful beams<\/strong> glowing at night. These beams are not from some extraterrestrial origin, per se, but rather from an innovative solar artwork, piercing the sky at 70 feet tall. This artwork was designed and installed by Robert Behrens in 1989, and it has been glowing ever since.<\/p>\n

The artwork, Solar Intersections, consists of nine steel poles that have been coated with a special adhesive paint. The rods appear to be covered in solar cells or reflective tape, which absorb solar energy during the day, and produce a colorful display at night. The artwork is surrounded by a checkerboard pattern of crape myrtle trees and perennial flowers, reflecting the entire place.<\/p>\n

From solar artwork to kinetic sculptures that dance without energy<\/a>, you cannot help but feel inspired. Imagine if solar energy technologies could become more aesthetically pleasing<\/strong> in the future.<\/p>\n

Making solar energy aesthetically pleasing<\/h2>\n

Solar power art is very inspiring. By merging solar technology and materials with art, aesthetics could be merged with sustainability to create functional artwork<\/strong> that produces clean power, engages citizens with renewable energy and climate change themes, and thus raises environmental awareness. Not only can it revolutionize the renewable industry, but it can change the future of architecture as well.<\/p>\n

Functional solar art could boost energy security, lower costs, and so much more. According to VPRC, functional solar art has unlimited design potential, and could include:<\/p>\n