# 3D-Printed Solar Engines Andreas Haeuser's DIY Solar Energy Panels Have a Low-Temperature Engine By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-04-06 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-solar-energy References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150406-harvest-your-own-energy-using-3d-printed-wind-turbines-and-solar-stirling-engines.html) & [reprap-windturbine](http://www.reprap-windturbine.com/index.php?id=16&L=1) Andreas Haeuser is an aeronautical engineer based in Germany who created a 3D-Printed Solar Sterling Engine—the first of its kind to have a low-temperature stirling solar engine. Although the [3D-printed solar engine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-concept) is quite small, the design could easily be scaled up for the purposes of [harvesting greater amounts of solar energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-technology). After assembling the prototype for his eco-friendly engine, Haeuser has made the instructions for assembly available online. This smart and sustainable engine empowers makers to take energy production into their own hands. As well as creating a 3D-printed engine, Haeuser also crafted a design for a [wind turbine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wind-turbine-generator) that can also be assembled with the right know-how. As 3D printers become more widely available and people become more mindful of their own energy consumption, more products like these could be seen everywhere. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **3D Printing in Energy Production:** The use of 3D printing in creating eco-friendly engines presents opportunities for renewable energy production. - **DIY Energy Production:** The availability of instructions for assembly of sustainable engines empowers individuals to take energy production into their hands. - **Personalized Energy Consumption:** With more people mindful of their energy consumption, personalized energy production such as 3D-printed engines can lead to more sustainable energy sources. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy companies can explore the use of 3D-printing to produce engines and turbines for sustainable energy production. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies can explore 3D printing as a way to create more eco-friendly and sustainable products such as engines and turbines. - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumers can utilize 3D-printing to manufacture personalized solar and wind engines for their own energy consumption, leading to a disruption in the consumer electronics industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [3D Solar Panel Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tipa.md) - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Solar-Powered Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-blanket.md) - [Solar-Powered Race Vehicle Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-race-vehicle.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md) - [DIY Solar Oven Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-solar-oven.md) - [Solar Energy Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jantzen-2.md) - [3D-Printed Terracotta Cooler Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomimcry-3dprinted-terracotta-cooler.md)