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The Solar Bubble®: Passive Solar Retrofit

Buildings Heat Themselves

The Solar Bubble® is a patented Passive Retrofit Solar Thermal Cladding Structure® designed to reduce carbon footprints and heating costs for buildings. Made from an aluminum spaceframe with a double membrane, the Solar Bubble® inflates to become a tension structure, circulating heated air inside buildings. This proven passive technology draws inspiration from ancient solar-heated Anasazi Cliff Dwellings and has evolved through three Department of Energy grants in the 1970s.

Key Features

Reduces Heating Bills
The Solar Bubble® provides a cost-effective solution for reducing the need for traditional heating systems, leading to significant energy savings. By capturing and storing solar thermal energy from the sun, this innovative cladding structure helps reduce dependency on fossil fuels, slashing heating costs by up to 50% or more in certain climates. This passive system works autonomously, utilizing the sun’s natural energy to heat interior spaces during colder months. Over time, the Solar Bubble® can pay for itself through the reduction in energy bills, making it an attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike.

Adaptable to Various Structures
One of the key strengths of the Solar Bubble® is its adaptability. The technology can be customized to fit a wide range of structures, from single-family homes and apartment complexes to large commercial spaces like big box stores, office buildings, and warehouses. The flexible design allows for retrofitting to almost any building that has sunny exterior walls or roofs, effectively turning previously unused surfaces into solar energy collectors. This means that whether it’s a rural home or a multi-story urban development, the Solar Bubble® can seamlessly integrate with existing architecture to enhance energy efficiency without major modifications to the building.

Environmentally Friendly
The Solar Bubble® is not just an economic solution—it’s also an environmentally responsible one. By harnessing renewable solar energy, the system significantly reduces the reliance on conventional energy sources, which are often derived from fossil fuels. This reduction in energy demand translates into lower carbon emissions, making the Solar Bubble® a critical tool in the global fight against climate change. In addition to lowering heating costs, the system contributes to a greener future by reducing the building’s overall carbon footprint. For eco-conscious individuals and organizations looking to make a tangible impact, the Solar Bubble® provides a direct pathway to sustainability.

Low Maintenance and Durable
The Solar Bubble® is built to last, with a robust aluminum spaceframe and a durable double membrane that’s designed to withstand various weather conditions. The materials used in the structure are resistant to corrosion and damage, ensuring a long lifespan with minimal maintenance. Once installed, the system requires little oversight, as it operates passively, providing consistent heating with no moving parts or complex machinery. This makes the Solar Bubble® an ideal long-term investment for property owners looking for both efficiency and reliability.

Energy Independence
In an age where energy costs are volatile and grid reliability is a growing concern, the Solar Bubble® offers a step toward energy independence. By generating your own solar thermal energy, you’re less reliant on external energy providers, which can be especially beneficial during power outages or energy shortages. This self-sufficiency is a major advantage for homeowners and businesses alike, providing peace of mind in an increasingly unpredictable energy market.

Scalable and Modular Design
The Solar Bubble® is designed with scalability in mind. The modular nature of the system allows it to be installed in sections, meaning it can grow alongside the needs of a building. Whether starting with a small section on a home or covering the entire exterior of a commercial building, the system can be expanded or adjusted to meet future requirements. This flexibility makes the Solar Bubble® a great option for both small-scale and large-scale projects.

Multiple Applications

The Solar Bubble® is a versatile and scalable solution that can be implemented on various types of buildings, making it a perfect retrofit option for both residential and commercial properties. By harnessing solar thermal energy, the Solar Bubble® enables buildings to reduce reliance on traditional heating systems and lower energy consumption.

  • Residential Homes: Homeowners can retrofit their houses with the Solar Bubble® to reduce heating costs during colder months. By attaching the structure to sunny exterior walls, homes can passively capture and store solar energy, significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
  • Commercial Buildings: Large-scale properties like warehouses, office buildings, and big box stores can benefit from this technology. By integrating the Solar Bubble®, these buildings can improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs, all while contributing to a greener environment.
  • Historical Buildings: The Solar Bubble® is also ideal for older, historic buildings that need to modernize their heating systems without compromising the integrity of the structure. The lightweight and flexible design can be adapted to suit the architectural needs of these buildings while reducing energy consumption.
  • Community and Public Spaces: Schools, libraries, and community centers can implement the Solar Bubble® to create more energy-efficient public spaces. By incorporating renewable energy solutions, these facilities can serve as role models for sustainable design and inspire other communities to adopt similar technologies.

Whether it’s a suburban home, an urban high-rise, or a public community center, the Solar Bubble® can be customized to meet the unique needs of the building, making it a powerful tool in the global transition towards sustainable energy use.

Future Vision

The Solar Bubble® has the potential to drive global change by transforming how we think about building efficiency and renewable energy. As climate change continues to be one of the most pressing issues of our time, innovative solutions like the Solar Bubble® are crucial for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing global carbon emissions.

Our vision is to make the Solar Bubble® a common retrofit solution for buildings of all sizes, in all climates, and across various industries. By integrating this passive solar technology, we can turn the surfaces of everyday buildings into powerful tools for energy conservation, reducing heating demands while promoting sustainability.

We see the future of Solar Bubble® unfolding in several key areas:

  • Global Adoption: Our goal is to make the Solar Bubble® accessible to builders, homeowners, and businesses around the world. Whether in urban centers or rural communities, this technology can be a universal solution to lower energy bills and mitigate environmental impact. We envision a future where every building, from homes to industrial facilities, is equipped to capture and utilize solar thermal energy.
  • Collaborative Innovation: To fully realize the potential of the Solar Bubble®, we are partnering with environmental activists, architects, engineers, and policymakers. Together, we aim to refine and scale this technology, driving further advancements in solar thermal systems. These partnerships will enable us to overcome technical challenges, expand into new markets, and reach more people who can benefit from our solution.
  • Sustainable Communities: By working with local governments, nonprofits, and community groups, we can incorporate Solar Bubble® technology into public buildings, schools, and housing projects, making sustainability a key feature of the spaces where people live, work, and gather. We also aim to inspire the next generation of innovators, showing that solar thermal energy can be part of the solution to climate change.
  • Job Creation and Economic Growth: As we scale the production and installation of Solar Bubble® systems, we will contribute to job creation in the renewable energy sector. This includes manufacturing, construction, engineering, and maintenance roles. By empowering communities to embrace solar thermal technology, we can drive both environmental and economic progress.
  • A Force for Change: The Solar Bubble® is more than just a product—it’s a movement towards a greener future. Through education and advocacy, we hope to inspire individuals, businesses, and governments to prioritize sustainable building solutions. As the demand for renewable energy grows, the Solar Bubble® can be a pivotal force in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

By continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible with solar thermal technology, we aim to create a world where buildings are not just shelters, but active contributors to energy sustainability. This vision of the future starts today with the Solar Bubble®, and with the commitment of changemakers like you, we can build a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.


Contact Information

For more information or to become part of this movement, contact:

Stephen Kenin
Phone: 575-779-6769
Email: Steve@SteveKenin.com
PO Box 1377, Taos, NM 87571