The Purpose of the Solar Lab

The Solar Lab displays a range of activities which aim to bring about a "clean energy society." Its focus is to present exhibitions that create an interest in global environmental issues, as well as to raise the profile of photovoltaic science among the younger generation - our future leaders. We hope for this museum to become a life-affirming place where new activities will be created by visitors, staff, business enterprises, and regional communities. A place where we all pause for reflection and make discoveries about the various interconnections between the sun, global environmental issues, photovoltaic science, and humankind.

The Solar Lab's Activities

1. To foster scientific thinking and an understanding of ecology in the minds of children - our future leaders.

2. To provide information about humankind's relationship with the Earth.

3. To contribute to the local community by supporting the creation of an ecologically-focussed town.

4. Through the above activities, to generate proposals for future projects.

Zone 1: Passing Through the Solar Ark   Going up the stairs amid the gigantic three-dimensional truss structure gives the sense of being in a forest of enormous trees. Visitors can feel a keen anticipation towards their encounter with a world beyond the ordinary in scale. Zone 2: Welcome to the Solar Lab   Here, visitors can feel close to the sun and have their sense of curiosity sparked. What does the sun really mean in our lives? * The Sun and Me * The Limitless Heavens * Portraits of the Sun Zone 3: A Scientific Approach to the Sun   The sun is introduced from a scientific point of view. Through both play and specially designed experiences, information about the sun can be learned. * Solar System Simulator * Adventure Wall: Get to Know the Sun * Data Wall: Facts About the Sun Zone 4: An Artistic Approach to the Sun   The sun is introduced from an artistic point of view. People's feelings toward the sun can be seen through examples of art featuring sun motifs. Zone 5: Feel the Sun   Walk through the door to where a weird and wonderful visual experience awaits you. The story of our planet of life. Experience the gifts the sun gives us through the story of the earth. Walk back out the door with an even greater love of this earth, and of who you are, too. Zone 6: Control Deck of the Solar Ark   At the heart of the Solar Ark is the Control Deck. Here, visitors can learn about the mission of the Solar Ark and see real-time data pertaining to power generation in the Solar Ark. * Ark Sensor * Forecast for the Global Environment * Ark Voice Drive Zone 7: Solar Library   This is the Solar Battery Library. Historical facts and research, voices from manufacturing sites, and solar-related material are introduced in an entertaining way. * Amorphous Silicon Experimental Apparatus Used in Early Development of Solar Energy * What is a Solar Battery? Zone 8: Solar Garden   Here, the future of solar batteries can be examined. Visitors are introduced to solar battery technologies and the prospects for solar batteries to contribute to the environment in the future. * Box of Inspiration * Future Concepts for Solar Batteries * Future Society "Genesis Plan" Zone 9: Community Garden   This is a lounge where visitors can communicate with the solar robot. We invite you to think of new applications for solar cells. * Solar Robot Zone 10: Special Exhibitions 1)   FMC (FIX Museum Container) Enjoy interactive digital experiences that mimic real-world phenomena. 2)   1/3-Scale Model of the Solar Plane Accompanied by the record of a journey with the sun across the North American continent. 3)   Solar Ark Information Mini-Theater Videos on the Solar Ark concept are shown here.