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You might think that a movie villain harnessing the sun’s power is far-fetched, but the available energy solutions from the actual sun are very real, indeed. Over the years, Hollywood has referenced solar energy and power as something of the future when current technology offers accessible solar solutions today.
Here are eight movies that will help you imagine and realize just how powerful the sun can be:
1. ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ (1974)
In this classic 007 movie, James Bond attempts to retrieve top-secret solar cell technology before it’s sold illegally to the highest bidder. Starring Roger Moore, this film succeeds in emphasizing just how valuable solar technology really is.
2. ‘Race the Sun’ (1996)
A new teacher takes control of a group of misfit high school students. After gaining inspiration, these Hawaiian students work to create a solar car, winning them a trip to compete at the World Solar Challenge in Australia. Although today’s technology far surpasses what’s shown in the film, it’s clear that gasoline isn’t the only thing that can power a vehicle.
3. ‘Gattaca’ (1997)
While this movie largely addresses future controversies such as designer babies, it does possess one scene that illustrates the use of future solar power. At one point, the two protagonists (Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman) enter a concentrating solar plant to view the sunrise together.
While the warmth and beauty of the sun get the spotlight, viewers are able to see the significance of solar energy as a thing of the future.
4. ‘Sahara’ (2005)
This action-packed film tells a story of explorers and treasure hunters seeking rumored riches aboard an old Civil War ship. Their quest leads them through a massive solar plant in the middle of the cruel Saharan Desert.
Despite the plot focusing on treasure and the perilous pathway to it, this film also highlights the sheer size and impact of similar solar plants today.
5. ‘Sunshine’ (2007)
Set in 2057, this futuristic film focuses on an international crew of astronauts and their dangerous mission to stabilize the sun using a nuclear bomb. Much like the movies listed above, this one adds to the mystery and interstellar importance of future interactions with the sun.
Without the power of the sun, the world wouldn’t survive.
6. ‘Megamind’ (2010)
Using the voice talents of Brad Pitt and Will Ferrell, this kid-friendly flick features a lovable super villain in his quest to defeat his nemesis, Metro Man. Through the use of a homemade “death ray,” Megamind uses his genius contraption to harness the “full concentrated power of the sun.”
7. ‘Ender’s Game’ (2013)
Young Ender Wiggin is chosen to attend Battle School for training to protect the Earth from the Formics, a deadly alien race. In one scene, Ender and the new recruits leave Earth in a spaceship waiting at base. Although thousands of solar PV arrays surrounding the base might appear to be trees, they are the power source for the military base.
8. ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015)
The rise of the First Order threatens to overtake the Galaxy through the use of a planet-sized killing machine, Starkiller Base. In this film, the colossal base harnesses raw energy from a nearby sun to power its deathly beam.
Starring Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, this new Star Wars installment shows many things, including the sheer power of a sun’s heat.
Movies often depict the sun and solar power as fantasy, but Clear Solar helps you harness the sun’s power for many real-life applications. Visit its website to find out just what the sun’s power can do for you.