Solar Zukunft is a research project led by Assistant Professor Catherine Jones at the University of Luxembourg, exploring how the public perceives solar panels in various colors compared to the standard black. To support this study, LMDDC developed an augmented reality (AR) application that allows participants to see different color options displayed on well-known buildings in multiple cities.

The application can be used at home or on-site in AR mode. It shows color variations of solar panels placed on real buildings and collects user feedback through short questionnaires. Responses are recorded anonymously and prepared for analysis. The app is designed to help participants reflect on their preferences in a context that closely resembles everyday life.

By presenting options in realistic environments, the project aims to gather more reliable insights into public opinion. The results will help researchers better understand how design choices, such as panel color, may influence acceptance and integration of solar technology in urban areas.

This collaboration between LMDDC and the University of Luxembourg’s Digital Human Geographies department demonstrates how digital tools like AR can support social research by making abstract choices more tangible. As cities explore ways to integrate renewable energy without compromising architectural character, understanding public preferences becomes an important step in planning and communication. Solar Zukunft offers a way to connect citizens directly to these decisions, bringing energy discussions closer to the communities they affect.