StarShade - Rapidly Deployable Solar Pavilion

Interactive Tools

3D Model Viewer

Explore the complete structure in interactive 3D. Rotate, zoom, and examine every detail of the StarShade design.

Launch 3D Viewer

LinkageLab Designer

Design and simulate your own StarShade configuration with our interactive structure design tool.

Open Designer

Build Calculators

Calculate daily solar energy budget, material costs, and system requirements for your custom build.

Use Calculators

Transforming Sunshine into Power

StarShade is a prototype solar-powered shade canopy designed for rapid deployment wherever off-grid power is needed. Inspired by NASA's folding origami shade sails and solar arrays, StarShade uses a dynamic scissor mechanism that allows it to easily fold and unfold with minimal on-site assembly.

Engineered with widely available materials—dimensional lumber, standard hardware, and IBC tanks—the structure minimizes cost and complexity. Its simple fabrication requires only three precisely drilled holes per beam, enabling rapid parallel construction.

Key Features

Rapidly deployable scissor mechanism inspired by NASA designs
Built from cheap, widely available materials (dimensional lumber, IBC tanks)
Simple fabrication requiring only 3 holes per beam
Optimized for reclaimed 230-280W solar panels (39.2" × 65")
Generates 15-20+ kWh per day
Complete open-source plans and documentation

Mission

Develop a simple, low-cost, open-source, rapidly-deployable solar energy resource station that can provide reliable power for event operations, art installations, and theme camps while replacing fossil fuel generators.

STARSHADE RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE SOLAR PAVILION