Unusual Solar Installations

When you picture solar panel installations, suburban homes, bustling city offices, and modern apartments might come to mind. But thanks to the record-breaking number of installations in 2020, solar panels have become a common sight. However, there are some truly bizarre and fascinating locations around the world harnessing the power of the sun in innovative ways.

As solar enthusiasts, we're always thrilled to uncover unique places where solar energy is being utilized. In this article, we've compiled a list of some of the most creative, exciting—and occasionally downright strange—locations using solar power.

Id Mjahdi Village in Morocco

As you'd expect, we're strong advocates for solar panel installations and dream of seeing every UK home adopt solar energy soon. However, one Moroccan village is far ahead of the curve. Id Mjahdi, located on Morocco's Atlantic Coast, has become a model for solar power adoption.

Because of its remote location, clean energy companies in Morocco saw an opportunity to use solar power to enhance the lives of its residents. Id Mjahdi was the first village selected for this initiative. Before switching to solar energy, villagers relied on candles for light and struggled with limited access to fresh water due to the high costs of connecting such remote areas to the national grid.

Since adopting solar power, residents have established schools for children and adults who missed out on education. Every household now has an oven, refrigerator, TV, and water heater—amenities they previously lacked. Using solar energy for the benefit of the community is something we fully support!

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

We’re especially proud of this one because we installed the solar panels ourselves! At Kew Gardens, we placed solar panels on the treehouse within the treetop walkway. London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views and unique landscapes, providing a serene escape from the city hustle.

The solar panels illuminate the treehouse in the evenings, creating a cozy and tranquil atmosphere. Standing 80 meters above the ground, the treetop walk and treehouse allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature while discovering new plant species and wildlife. Kew Gardens is renowned for its commitment to environmental issues and promoting sustainable living, which made us very happy to be chosen for the installation. Next time you're in London, why not visit and see if you can spot our solar setup? You can also learn more about our work at Kew here if you're interested!

Lindisfarne Castle

This is a perfect example of old meeting new. And by “old,” we mean REALLY old! Lindisfarne Castle, located on Holy Island in Northumberland, is a 16th-century fortress and a popular tourist destination. Recently, the castle installed 48 solar panels to power the entire site, including the gift shop! The panels are hidden from public view unless you have an aerial perspective.

Managed by the National Trust, the castle generates 10,000 kilowatt-hours of energy annually from these solar panels. Combined with other eco-friendly initiatives by the trust, this has reduced carbon emissions by 5.2 tonnes per year. A fantastic blend of history and sustainability!

The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA

When it comes to sustainability and design, sports stadiums may not immediately spring to mind. But the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta is leading the charge in environmental innovation. Home to the Atlanta Falcons American football team, the stadium has received accolades for its forward-thinking architecture.

Hosting the 2019 Super Bowl, the arena features 4,000 solar panels on its roof and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout. It consumes nearly 30% less energy than comparable stadiums—impressive, right?

Solar-Powered Planes

You might find this a bit unconventional, but solar-powered airplanes aren't as far-fetched as they sound! Although your next flight to Spain probably won’t run on solar power, the first-ever solar-powered aircraft completed a 40,000-kilometer journey around the world without using any fuel!

In 2015, the Solar Impulse project attempted the first round-the-world trip to prove that clean energy could power aircraft. If every plane in operation today were solar-powered, global energy consumption would be halved. Piloted by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the Solar Impulse aircraft has two jumbo jet-sized wings covered in 17,000 solar cells. While commercialization is still in progress, the mission continues. Learn more about their future plans here.

The Burj Khalifa – Dubai

It’s easy to assume the world’s tallest building would contribute significantly to carbon emissions, but the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is surprisingly eco-friendly. Standing at 830 meters tall, developers installed 378 solar panels to generate energy for the building. Considering the average UK home typically uses 10-14 solar panels, the scale of this project is incredible!

These solar panels heat 140,000 liters of water daily for the businesses and residents living in the iconic tower. It’s estimated that the solar panels save 3,200 kilowatts of energy each day. The Burj Khalifa, home to numerous multi-million-dollar businesses and over 900 luxury residences, sets a benchmark for sustainable energy use in both commercial and residential settings. Who knew Dubai could be an eco-friendly destination?

Cincinnati Zoo – USA

Caring for hundreds of exotic animals requires a lot of energy, so the Cincinnati Zoo came up with a brilliant idea: turn its parking lot into a solar farm! By installing a canopy of 6,400 solar panels over nearly four acres of parking space, the Ohio-based zoo generates enough electricity to power the equivalent of 200 homes annually. The canopy also provides shade during the hot summer months—a win-win for both the environment and visitors!

The Future – Solar Panels in Space?

While it might sound like science fiction, space-based solar panels could be the future of renewable energy. Climate change poses one of humanity’s greatest challenges, and while we’re making great strides toward a greener planet, drastic measures may be necessary. Sending solar panels into space could offer constant sunlight as the Earth rotates, along with enhanced energy absorption from the atmosphere. We’ll definitely need our gravity boots for that adventure!

Your Home?

If you’re considering solar panels for your home this year, our friendly experts are here to help you navigate any questions and guide you through the process. Call us at 0800 112 3110 or fill out our quick enquiry form. Together, let’s make your home more sustainable!