Valley Town Finds Winter Sun Through High-Tech Mirrors
• Rjukan, Norway, uses large, computer-controlled mirrors to bring sunlight to its valley during the seven-month winter when it receives no direct sun.
• The heliostats, installed in 2013, track the sun and redirect 80–100% of its light onto a 6,500-square-foot area in the town center.
• Viganella, Italy, implemented a similar reflective system in 2006 to combat the lack of winter sunlight in its valley, inspiring Rjukan's project.
Rjukan's long winter darkness and innovative solution
In the deep, steep valley of Rjukan, Norway, winter's darkness used to reign for seven long months each year. Nestled between towering mountains, this town was deprived of direct sunlight, casting a long shadow over its residents' lives. However, in 2013, a groundbreaking solution emerged, bringing a ray of hope and light to the valley.
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