The SunFactory Lab is a concept: a space to experiment, learn and build with the portfolio's solar technologies. People use the machines there, learn how to operate them and build solar kits.
SunFactory Labs
From Geneva to Accra, four places carry the SunFactory Lab concept. In Accra, the SunFactory Lab of the Plastic Punch NGO is being defined: it is expected to be equipped with two solar plastic recycling kits.
Map unavailable offline: Geneva (Maison Antenna), Lisbon (FabLab Benfica), Coimbra (Ideavox Coimbra), Accra (Plastic Punch NGO, Tse Addo).
In Lancy: a solar cabin in the garden, equipped in 2025, with a FabLab, offices and bedrooms to host contributors and trainees.
On the ESELx campus (Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon): host of the international residencies since 2023.
In Tse Addo (Greater Accra): first SunFactory Lab in West Africa, to produce recycled plastic objects and train local actors. Contact: Richmond Quarcoo, executive director · plasticpunchngo@gmail.com · +233 302 972 403
A complete SunFactory Lab for recycled plastic — injected objects, bars and sheets — and solar concentration.
The model
An open concept: any FabLab, NGO, school or community can access and adopt it.
At least one concentrator or parabolic dish, complemented by a press, an injector or other machines from the portfolio.
Depending on the location and the version of the machines, from hand tools (saw, screwdriver…) to CNC machines. This is indigenisation in a SunFactory Lab: building and repairing on site, with what exists locally.
Technical tests and training: students, contributors, craftspeople and local communities.
Every SunFactory Lab follows the plans and articles published by the Design Office, and sends its field feedback back to it.
