The biggest solar furnace in the world
The solar furnace in Odeillo, built 36 years ago, is the largest in the world. The location was chosen due to the air quality and the fact that the region boasts approximately 300 sunny days per year. The furnace consists of an enormous satelite which captures the sun’s rays at its centre via 10,000 mirrors. It reaches temperatures of 3,000 degrees, unique in the world.
An exhibition along with demonstrations of the working of the solar furnace, can be seen every day from 10h - 18h. Amongst other things, it explores the potential and actual uses of solar energy for domestic purposes, as well as solutions for the energy crisis. Interesting and educative and well worth exploring with the whole family from a science point of view.
Along with the exhibition, there are demonstrations and guided visits, lasting one hour. The furnace has recently re-opened after a period of financial difficulty.
Open to the public every day from 10h - 19h30 including Sunday (summer months)
The first solar funace in the world.
The solar furnace in Mont Louis, built in 1949 by professor Félix Trombe, was the first solar funace in the world. This dual reflection solar furnace has been in steady evolution over the past 50 years and in 1993, was taken over by the limited liability company "Solar Furnace Development" who, along with continued scientific research, is the first company to use a solar furnace for industrial and manufactured products such as the firing of ceramics, and bronze and alluminium products.
Each year, more than 30,000 visitors are fascinated by the solar furnace in Mont-Louis, an enormous construction of 1420 mirrors.
Visits and demonstrations all year round
Souvenir shop open from 9h30 - 12h and 14h - 18h
Adults: 5€
children: (8 - 17) 3€50
More info: 04 68 04 14 89
Site: www.four-solaire.fr
