Matthias Futterlieb – German Environment Agency (UBA)
Plug-in solar modules as part of the energy transition
21.10.2025, Halle (Saale)

On Tuesday, October 21 2025, we welcomed Matthias Futterlieb, who gave a lecture on plug-in solar modules and their contribution to the energy transition. It became clear how low-threshold technologies, exemplified by plug-in solar devices, enable participation in the energy transition. Although these devices do not make a major contribution to the overall capacity of renewable energy, they lower the barrier to engaging with solar power. They encourage awareness of sustainable consumption and strengthen self-sufficiency. Particularly important is the legal framework, which has been significantly simplified in recent years. The straightforward registration in the Market Master Data Register and the possibility of putting devices into operation immediately have accelerated their spread. As a result, plug-in solar units are no longer tied to bureaucratic hurdles but can be installed and operated with ease. Looking more closely at the ecological balance, it becomes evident that the energy required for production is offset after about two years. Over their lifetime, the devices make a clear contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Futterlieb also addressed possible rebound effects. Some households consume more electricity after installing a PV system because the self-generated electricity is perceived as “free.” This shows that technical solutions must always be accompanied by conscious energy use. Plug-in solar devices bring people into direct contact with renewable energy, promote personal responsibility, and foster acceptance. Their strength lies in making the energy transition tangible and turning it into a project shared by everyone. 

 

Marco Mehringer - Mining Noise
New possibilities for E-Waste Recycling
21.10.2025, Halle (Saale)

Marco Mehringer's master's project, ‘Mining Noise,’ explores ways to reuse electronic waste, particularly defective small appliances, in new products. Based on the growing amount of electronic waste, limited recycling options, and the resulting destruction of valuable resources, Marco attempts to identify new ways to reuse these materials. This is illustrated by the construction of a synthesiser made exclusively from components of various old, defective audio devices. The necessary electrical components can be desoldered and reassembled to a simple VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator), the central piece of every synth. The synthesiser's housing and keys are made either from old housings that are cut and bent into the right shape, or from injection-moulded or 3D-printed plastic from old CDs. The result is a musical instrument made entirely from old devices or waste. Building on the experience gained from this project, a complementary public website was developed. It contains building instructions, project documentation, a digital version of the synthesiser, a sound archive and additional information on the materials and electrical components. The aim is to empower people to tackle similar projects using the information provided and to learn more about the subject.
 

Josua Roters – Cabel Mania
A lecture on the design process, the value of experimentation, and the balance between idea and form.
20.10.2025, Halle (Saale)

On October 20, 2025, designer Josua Roters visited our project group to talk about his work, his path through his studies, and what good design means to him. Open and approachable, he shared what he has taken from his time as a student and how curiosity, experimentation, and joy in making continue to shape his practice. Josua emphasized that studying design means having the freedom to try, to fail, and to learn from it. For him, it’s not about perfection but a conscious attitude toward making: a prototype doesn’t have to be flawless but should clearly communicate its idea. Within a limited timeframe, it is about setting priorities and asking where can I simplify without losing the essence. This way, results stay coherent and achievable. Equally important is remaining open to new tools and techniques – sometimes learning something unfamiliar works better than holding on to what feels safe. Through his projects – including the Maßbandleuchte, the On-Off Light Switch, and his master’s project Cable Mania – Josua showed how everyday observations can evolve into distinct design concepts. The Maßbandleuchte merges the mechanism of a measuring tape with a flexible light source, combining function and interaction. The On-Off Light Switch rethinks energy use and attention through a simple physical gesture. His lecture highlighted design as a balance between idea and form – and as an attitude grounded in openness, communication, and genuine enjoyment.

 

Rupert Wronski - German Environmental Aid
21.10.2026, Halle (Saale)

Environmental Action Germany (DUH) is a nonprofit, politically independent environmental and consumer protection organization dedicated to promoting ecological and sustainable developments in politics, business, and society, while balancing environmental and consumer interests. An important part of its work involves exerting influence at the political and societal levels by bringing environmental and climate protection issues into the public debate, monitoring legislative processes, and filing specific lawsuits to advance environmental policy goals. For example, DUH is currently handling cases in which tenants are prohibited from installing an 800-watt solar panel on their balcony. Reasons for refusal may include structural stability, fire safety, installation, wind loads, aesthetics, or the “type of electrical outlet.” In most cases, however, these reasons are merely pretexts and are not legally tenable. DUH provides legal support to tenants. In doing so, it promotes the energy transition from a perspective that is often overlooked by the public. Nevertheless, designers can identify hurdles from these cases that may need to be overcome. We also gained insight into the political and legal history of the topic of balcony power plants. This highlighted just how heavily sustainable solutions depend on political decisions.