What is Solar Brother?
Solar Brother is a pioneering project in the solar power generation industry, dedicated to democratizing the use and experience of solar thermal energy. Founded in 2016 by experts Gilles and Gatien, this initiative combines innovation with creative ideas to bring practical, efficient solar solutions to everyday life. Their range of products includes solar ovens, solar dryers, solar heaters, solar showers, and solar lighters—designed for both home use and outdoor activities. Beyond just selling products, Solar Brother embraces a spirit of co-creation by sharing open source DIY plans, making solar technology accessible to a wider audience.
Main Benefits of Solar Brother
Solar Brother offers numerous advantages that make solar thermal energy more approachable and practical. Here are some key highlights:
- BCorp score of 89, reflecting strong social and environmental performance
- Payment flexibility through Klarna, including pay later options and interest-free installments
- Innovative solar products that reduce reliance on gas and electricity
- Open source plans encouraging community involvement and knowledge sharing
- Products designed to heat, cook, dry, and charge sustainably using concentrated solar energy
- Focus on energy savings with solutions like solar heating that cost €0 to operate
Exploring Solar Cooking
Solar Brother’s solar cooking range is all about cooking without gas or electricity—pretty cool, right? Their solar cookers and kitchen accessories offer a brilliant way for innovative chefs to embrace sustainable cooking. Whether it’s through detailed guides, comparison tables, or even solar cooking workshops, the project supports users in mastering this eco-friendly culinary method. Plus, they provide solar recipes and books to inspire and educate.
Solar Heating and Outdoor Solutions
Heating your home sustainably is no longer a dream. Solar Brother’s solar heating products allow users to heat and dehumidify rooms with zero energy costs. Outdoor enthusiasts can also benefit from a variety of solar-powered gear, including solar lighters, showers, and chargers. These products tap into an infinite energy source, making outdoor activities more sustainable and enjoyable. The project’s outdoor solar category also includes goodies and accessories that enhance the solar experience.
Solar Drying and More
Preserving fruits, vegetables, and plants all year round is easy with Solar Brother’s modular solar dryers. These dryers use solar heat to dehydrate food according to individual needs, helping reduce waste and promote self-sufficiency. Beyond drying, the project offers a diverse range of products and resources such as mirrors, reflectors, lenses, DIY kits, open source plans, solar food, books on autonomy, training, and even a solar radio. It’s a comprehensive ecosystem supporting sustainable living.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – promoting access to sustainable energy solutions
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – encouraging eco-friendly products and DIY sharing
- SDG 13: Climate Action – reducing carbon footprint through solar thermal technology
- SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting sustainable agriculture with solar drying and heating
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – fostering community and co-creation through open source plans
Community and Support
Solar Brother isn’t just about products; it’s about building a community. They have ambassadors, members, and professionals who share plans, support each other, and promote solar autonomy. The project also offers manuals, order tracking, and customer service to ensure a smooth experience. Whether you’re a reseller, a professional, or simply curious, Solar Brother invites everyone to join the movement towards sustainable solar living.
What Solar Brother actually does
Solar Brother, founded by Gilles Gallo and Gatien Brault and based in Carnoules, France, makes solar-powered consumer products including the SunGood and SunChef solar cookers, the SunCase solar lighter, SunAéro solar heating, solar dryers, and DIY solar kits.
“There’s a preconceived notion that solar energy doesn’t work.”
Gilles Gallo, Co-founder, Solar Brother
Where Solar Brother shows up
- Outdoor and survival gear: solar cookers and lighters used by outdoor brand ambassadors.
- Professional kitchens: Solar Brother ovens used at Le Présage, described as Europe’s first solar-powered restaurant.
Proof, not just claims
Solar Brother’s SunGood solar cooker won a Gold Medal at the Concours Lépine, France’s oldest innovation competition, and the company has doubled production capacity at its Carnoules facility.
Trusted by
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
Solar Brother connects to SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by making solar cooking and charging accessible as everyday consumer products, extending solar energy use beyond fixed installations into portable, individual-use equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Solar Brother based, and who uses it?
Solar Brother is based in Carnoules, France, founded by Gilles Gallo and Gatien Brault. Its products are used by outdoor and survival ambassadors and by Le Présage, a Marseille restaurant that cooks professionally using solar ovens.
Which SDGs does Solar Brother support, and how?
SDG7, Affordable and Clean Energy: Solar Brother’s solar cookers, lighters, and heating products let people access solar energy for everyday cooking and power without a fixed installation.
How is Solar Brother verified as a sustainability project?
Solar Brother is B Corp certified, carries the French ESUS social-utility label and the Solar Keymark EU quality mark, and won a Gold Medal at the Concours Lépine for its SunGood solar cooker.
Looking for similar Solar energy projects?
See Solar energy projects, or browse all Energy projects.
