Solarpunk: A Definition

If you aren’t familiar with solarpunk, the genre appears in fiction earlier than you might expect. The subgenre of science fiction exhibits a rich history, which I’ll go into detail in a minute. In the meantime, how do you go about writing the genre? If you enjoy writing sci-fi and want to experience solarpunk, check out some writing tips below!

A Brief History

Before we begin, I want to include some history of the genre. To clarify things, this genre differs slightly from the utopian genre or even strict science fiction. In utopian fiction, it usually depicts a political structure considered beneficial for all and the ideal society. In solarpunk, the genre focuses on the “solar” aspect of the society depicted and overall tries to depict something sustainable.

Solarpunk includes a lot of these characteristics:

1. Different types of renewable energy (specifically ones that combat climate change)

2. Ecologically advanced societies

3. Forms of social justice depicted (typically why this genre coincides with utopian fiction)

4. Decolonization and overall equality among people groups

This genre has existed for several decades, though the term “solarpunk” first appeared in 2008. I found the original article that referenced it, which you can find through this link.

How to Write Solarpunk

If you want to write solarpunk, make sure to keep the following tips in mind:

1. Focus on the environment. Whether you include regular cities or technologically advanced societies in your worldbuilding, your story needs to focus on building toward or establishing a healthy environment. Think of methods of sustainable energy, for example, or even depicting a society that has solved climate change. Additionally, remember to keep a hopeful air around the society and make it seem like a place you would want to be in.
2. Focus on different forms of equality. Next, focus on the way your characters interact as well as your world. Solarpunk often includes means of social equity, lack of marginalization, and lack of colonization. How might people groups coexist? What does this mean for trade, or war, or how people interact and communicate?
3. Focus on optimism. Make sure your world feels hopeful! Solarpunk thrives off looking toward a brighter future. Not only should your world feel like something to strive for, but your character should also be optimistic about their future and their dreams and amibitions.

How NOT to Write Solarpunk

On the flip side, be sure to avoid the following when writing solarpunk.

1. Don’t be pessimistic. Genres like cyberpunk depict oppressive worlds filled with oppressive technology. Solarpunk uses technology for sustainable means and generally provides a better tomorrow. Additionally, characters also need to maintain a hopeful outlook if you want to keep solarpunk in mind.
2. Don’t write a straight fantasy story. While solarpunk borrows some elements from fantasy at times, solarpunk differs from fantasy specifically. Fantasy often takes place in a secondary world. Solarpunk is more realistic, occurring in a world closer to our own. Avoid uses of magic and other aspects of fantasy and instead focus on technology and the more sci-fi aspects of the genre.
3. Don’t forget about conflict. Sometimes stories about harmony with nature and technology forget to include good conflict. Ask yourself: how might something go wrong? What problems does your main protagonist face in this world? How can they fix it? Solarpunk needs a good setup just like any other genre.

Some Examples

Want to read more solarpunk rather than write it? Check out some examples below!

Always Coming Home – Ursula K. Le Guin – the story is part narrative, part textbook, as it describes the Kesh people. Long ago, an apocalypse took place, leaving behind a people group that rejects industrialization and civilization. This is considered an early example of the solarpunk genre.

Ecotopia – Ernest Callenbach – an early solarpunk published in 1975. The story follows William Weston as he delves into the new world of Ecotopia, a place made up of what was once several U. S. States that broke free from the USA. This book also influenced the Green Movement of the 1970s.

Pacific Edge – Kim Stanley Robinson – the final book in Robinson’s Three Californias Trilogy. In 2065, a man named Kevin attempts to keep the town he lives in from rezoning the last hill that hasn’t been developed yet.

So there you have it! If you want to start writing a solarpunk story, make sure to remember these tips and examine these books for inspiration. Happy writing!

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