Unusual Solar Installations

When you think of solar panels, you might picture rooftops in quiet neighborhoods or corporate offices in bustling cities. But here's the thing—solar energy isn't just limited to those places anymore. Across the globe, people are getting creative with where they install solar panels. From remote villages to historical landmarks, the possibilities are endless!

As solar enthusiasts, we absolutely love discovering these unique installations. In this piece, we've gathered some of the most innovative, exciting—and yes, sometimes quirky—locations where solar panels are making a difference. Let’s dive in!

Id Mjahdi Village in Morocco

Morocco is leading the charge when it comes to sustainable living, and Id Mjahdi village is a shining example. Situated along Morocco's Atlantic Coast, this remote village lacked basic amenities like electricity and clean water until solar power came to the rescue. Clean energy providers saw an opportunity to transform lives in such isolated areas, and Id Mjahdi was chosen as the pilot project.

Before switching to solar, villagers relied on candles for light and struggled with limited access to fresh water. Since the introduction of solar energy, the village has seen remarkable progress. Schools have been established for children and adults alike, ensuring no one misses out on education. Each household now has modern appliances like ovens, fridges, TVs, and water heaters. It's incredible how solar power can bring such profound changes to a community!

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

One of our proudest installations happened right here in London. At the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, we fitted solar panels onto the treehouse within the treetop walkway. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.

Our solar panels provide energy to light up the treehouse at night, creating a cozy and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the gardens from 80 meters above the ground, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Kew Gardens is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, so it was an honor to contribute to their efforts. If you're in London, why not visit and see our solar installation for yourself? You can also learn more about our work there if you're curious!

Lindisfarne Castle

Here's a perfect blend of history and innovation! Lindisfarne Castle, located on Holy Island in Northumberland, dates back to the 16th century and attracts countless visitors every year. Recently, the castle installed 48 solar panels to power everything from its historic rooms to the gift shop. These panels are cleverly hidden from plain sight, visible only from above.

Thanks to these solar panels, the castle generates around 10,000 kWh of energy annually, reducing its carbon footprint by 5.2 tonnes per year. The National Trust, which manages the site, has implemented numerous green initiatives, and Lindisfarne Castle is leading the way. It's inspiring to see such a historic landmark embrace modern technology for a sustainable future.

The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Sports stadiums aren't typically associated with sustainability, but the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta is changing that. Home to the Atlanta Falcons American football team, this stadium is globally recognized for its innovative design and eco-friendly features.

Hosting the 2019 Super Bowl, the arena boasts 4,000 solar panels on its roof, along with energy-efficient LED lighting throughout. Compared to similar-sized stadiums, it uses nearly 30% less energy. That's a game-changer for the sports industry!

Solar-Powered Planes

While it might sound futuristic, solar-powered planes are already a reality. The Solar Impulse project achieved an incredible 40,000 km journey around the world without using a single drop of fuel. This groundbreaking mission demonstrated the potential of solar energy in aviation.

Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, the pioneers behind the project, hope to eventually integrate solar technology into commercial flights. Their vision is ambitious but achievable—if all planes were solar-powered, global energy consumption could be cut in half. You can follow their latest developments here.

The Burj Khalifa – Dubai

Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, but did you know it’s also one of the greenest? With 378 solar panels installed, the building generates enough energy to heat 140,000 liters of water daily. For comparison, the average UK home needs only 10-14 panels. That’s a massive leap forward in sustainable architecture!

These panels save an impressive 3,200 kilowatts of energy daily, making the Burj Khalifa a beacon of eco-friendly innovation. As a leader in sustainable energy, the UAE is paving the way for both commercial and residential solar projects. Who knew Dubai could become an eco-tourism hotspot?

Cincinnati Zoo – USA

Caring for hundreds of exotic animals requires a lot of energy, but the Cincinnati Zoo found a clever solution. They transformed their four-acre parking lot into a solar canopy featuring 6,400 panels. This setup generates enough electricity to power 200 homes annually. Plus, it provides much-needed shade during the scorching summer months—a win-win for everyone!

The Future – Solar Panels in Space?

Imagine harnessing solar energy from space. While it sounds like science fiction, it could soon become reality. Climate change poses a significant threat, and we need bold solutions to combat it. Sending solar panels into orbit ensures constant sunlight and better energy absorption, potentially revolutionizing renewable energy.

As we continue exploring ways to protect our planet, space-based solar power might just be the key. Watch this space—literally!

Your Home?

Thinking about installing solar panels at home? Our team of experts is here to guide you through the process. Whether you have questions about costs, efficiency, or maintenance, we’re happy to help. Call us at 0800 112 3110 or fill out our quick enquiry form. Together, let’s make your home a little greener!