The FAU Profilecenter Solar station at this year’s Schlossgartenfest proved to be a very popular stop along the Wissensparcours, drawing a steady stream of curious visitors throughout the evening. At the centre of the exhibit stood a miniature racing track where guests could pit their skills against one another – not with conventional remote controls, but by directing light sources onto small solar-powered cars. Turning each race into an intuitive and immediately tangible demonstration of photovoltaic energy conversion.
The interactive format sparked lively conversations about the science behind solar technology and opened doors to deeper discussions about FAU Solar’s current research portfolio: from ultrafast spectroscopy and digital twin modelling to perovskite-silicon tandem cells and photocatalytic CO₂ utilisation. Researchers from the Guldi group on site were on hand to answer questions and connect the playful competition to the real-world challenges driving the field forward.
The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate the broader network of partners and supporters whose commitment makes the work of FAU Solar possible. Among those who joined us on the night was a representative of the STAEDTLER-Stiftung – a welcome gesture that reflects the trust and engagement of those who accompany us on this journey.
The enthusiastic response from guests of all ages underscored the value of accessible, experience-led science communication and demonstrated that solar research has every reason to be at the heart of public conversation.
