self-sufficient solar lighting installation by ttal transforms frankfurt’s riverfront

translucent solar foils power off-grid lighting installation

Main Light by ttal is a self-sufficient lighting installation developed along the Main riverfront in Frankfurt, Germany, by Munich-based studio ttal in collaboration with Italian lighting manufacturer ewo. Presented as part of the World Design Capital 2026 initiative, the project explores how renewable energy infrastructure can become an integrated and visible component of public space through autonomous solar-powered lighting systems.

The installation introduces a new generation of off-grid streetlights that generate renewable energy directly at the point of use through translucent organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar foils. Developed in response to increasing urban energy demands, light pollution, and the environmental impact of conventional public lighting systems, the project rethinks street infrastructure through the concept of ‘prosumers,’ systems that both consume and produce energy.

Unlike traditional urban lighting, which depends on underground electrical networks and extensive site intervention, Main Light operates through lightweight autonomous structures that require no wiring or permanent ground excavation. The modular system allows for flexible installation with reduced material use while supporting lighting solutions for both urban environments and underserved public spaces.

Main Light rises next to the Main river, transforming Frankfurt’s skyline | all images courtesy of ttal

colored solar surfaces cast shifting light across the riverfront

The project also addresses the ecological effects of artificial illumination on humans, plants, and nocturnal ecosystems. Lighting systems are designed using full cut-off technology, intelligent demand-based controls, and a warm-spectrum light source intended to reduce ecological disturbance while maintaining visibility and orientation within public space.

During daytime conditions, the translucent solar surfaces function as visible energy-generating elements within the cityscape. Their colored panels cast changing shadows and filtered light patterns across the riverside, creating shaded gathering areas and reinforcing the installation’s presence as an urban spatial device rather than concealed infrastructure. At night, the structures emit controlled low-impact illumination that balances public accessibility with environmental sensitivity. Through this dual role as both energy generator and lighting system, Main Light positions renewable infrastructure as an active architectural and public element within the urban environment.

The first pilot installation by ttal’s designers Tobias Trübenbacher and Andreas Lang transforms a section of Frankfurt’s riverfront into a testing ground for autonomous public infrastructure that combines renewable energy production, lighting design, and spatial activation. The project was realized in collaboration with ewo GmbH for lighting and control technology, ASCA GmbH & Co. KG for organic photovoltaic systems, Schake GmbH for steel construction and reversible concrete foundations, and merz kley partner GmbH for structural engineering.

Main Light operates off-grid on reversible foundations that also function as urban furniture

Studio ttal refined the installation’s form and proportions through a series of physical scale models

translucent OPV solar sails create dynamic shifting patterns of light and shadow across the structure

shielding elements and warm, insect-friendly light spectrum reduce light pollution and ecological disturbance

colored OPV panels turn renewable energy generation into a visible and playful public-space element

the design of the luminaires is configured to optimally align the OPV foils with the position of the sun

intelligent demand-based lighting control system by ewo activates illumination only when needed

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the solar surfaces’ colors reference the corporate identity of WDC 2026 and can be adapted for future projects

the innovative OPV foils were developed by the German company ASCA and are being used for the first time to power infrastructure in public space

the final design is based on horizontal stripes that reflect the orientation of the integrated, laminated solar cells

Munich-based studio ttal: Tobias Trübenbacher and Andreas Lang

project info:

name: Main Light
designer: ttal – Tobias Trübenbacher | @tobias.truebenbacher, Andreas Lang | @andreas_lang____

lighting and control technology: ewo GmbH

innovative OPV technology: ASCA GmbH & Co. KG

steel construction and reversible concrete foundations: Schake GmbH

static calculations: merz kley partner GmbH

location:  Frankfurt, Germany

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom