For one hundred years, Rjukan, since September up to March, was under shadows.

In 1913, Sam Eyde, the founder of the small town had an idea:  to create some huge mirrors that could reflect the sun.

In 1928, the telpher called Krossobanen was built. It used to take the inhabitants of the village to the top of the mountains where they could be exposed to the sun during the six months of darkness. Still carries on functioning!

Although since 2013 they don’t need it so much.

Martin Andersen, a resident and artist of Rjukan, in 2005 was inspired by Eyde’s project and decided to develop it for giving light to the town. So, he proposed to the community to make it real.

It consists of three heliostat mirrors that move and turn on a determined axis. These mirrors have been made for reflecting and keeping the direct sunlight. Because of their tracking system, there are always oriented depending on the high of the sun and reflect it to Central Square.

The invention is situated 420 meters over the town's level, on the near side of the mountain.

This project was called Soslpeil. 

The structure is also very friendly with nature because the mirrors don`t produce any trash and they obtain the energy directly from the sun.

They have been made with sun plates which are in charge of saving accumulated energy during the year.

For most of the inhabitants of Rjukan, this invention was a good idea for improving their lives, because it allows them to stay at the square and socialize with neighbors under the light of the sun. Before, during six months they had a monotonous life.

The project cost about U$D 84.000. - and because of that, 1.200 inhabitants of the town signed a request against its construction, but as they were minority the project was carried on. Surely, many of them would have regretted not only because the sunlight they receive but because in 2005 the UNESCO named Rjukan, Human Patrimony.

Since they built the mirrors they have received more tourist than before.

Is such the success of the village that they are planning to recycle the Central Square.

Key value interpretation

By Alfredo Pupillo

To get into the light, it is necessary for a creative dream, although you can`t turn it into reality now.

• You need strong roots and collective memories.
• Have a great idea and find with perseverance up to the right moment to develop it.
• A community that synergies dreams and work.
• Art and technology work too well together to transform the face of the Earth.
• Until you go direct to the heart of the problem you can`t solve it. (“middle solutions” are not solutions).
• When you do the right things, unexpected additional benefits flow.
• Please, always do it friendly with nature!

Bibliography

Web Sites

http://www.upsocl.com/mundo/un-pueblo-en-noruega-pasa-6-meses-sin-luz-natural-y-debe-iluminarse-con-espejos-que-imitan-el-sol/?utm_source=Portada&utm_medium=Pagina&utm_campaign=links