# Melting Steel With Sunlight Industrial Strength Solar Furnace Demonstrates the Power of Light By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-03-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/melting-steel-with-sunlight-industrial-strength-solar-furnace-demonstrates References: [pr-project.blogspot](http://pr-project.blogspot.com/2008/10/solar-furnace-melts-steel-amazingly.html) A solar furnace collects and focuses the rays of the sun to produce high temperatures mostly for use in industry. James May, a journalist and self-proclaimed geek, presents the power of the solar furnace in the video above. Industrial-sized solar furnaces produce tremendous amounts of energy--enough to disintegrate a hot dog or to [melt steel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metal-fabrication-technology), as shown in the video. The solar furnace at Odeillo in the French Pyrenees can reach temperatures up to 3,000°C. In Parkent, Uzebekistan a solar oven in operation is currently used to melt down aluminum. The solar furnace principles are also used in small-scale applications: inexpensive [solar cookers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphene), solar-powered barbecues and [solar water purification](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-solar-still). Photos: 1. solar tower at Sandia National Laboratories 2-4. solar oven in Uzebekistan 5. solar furnace at Odeillo 6. James May ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Solar Furnace Technology:** Innovative solar furnace technology is capable of producing high temperatures for industrial use, creating opportunities for energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes. - **Small-scale Solar Applications:** The principles of solar furnace technology can be utilized in small-scale applications such as solar cookers, barbecues, and water purification systems, offering potential for eco-friendly and off-grid solutions. - **Solar Energy Disruption in Industry:** The use of solar furnaces to melt steel and other industrial processes demonstrates the disruptive potential of solar energy in traditional industries, opening avenues for clean and renewable solutions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Manufacturing:** Solar furnace technology presents opportunities for the manufacturing industry to adopt energy-efficient processes and reduce reliance on conventional fuel sources. - **Renewable Energy:** The development of solar furnace technology contributes to the growth of the renewable energy sector, providing innovative solutions for sustainable energy production. - **Culinary and Outdoor Recreation:** The adoption of small-scale solar applications, such as solar cookers and barbecues, can disrupt the culinary and outdoor recreation industries by offering eco-friendly alternatives for cooking and grilling. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [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) - [Portable Solar Ovens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-solar-oven.md) - [Tubiform Solar Ovens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tubiform-solar-oven.md) - [Mirrored Steel Solar Farms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/central-control-building.md) - [Beer-Branded Solar Cookers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/busch-light-solar-cooker.md) - [Off-Grid Solar-Powered Saunas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermasol.md) - [Solar-Lined Energy Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tower-1.md) - [Lunar Material-Based Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-dust.md)