From airports, bike paths and beach shores, these famous solar projects are powering public spaces and changing how they look.
In 2018, in the U.S. alone, a new solar project was installed every 100 seconds. By the end of the year, there were more than 1.9 million solar installations in the U.S. Not to mention that there are plans to complete some of the world’s largest solar projects to date. The world is being powered by the sun. Today, it’s not just about residential solar projects anymore. More businesses are starting commercial solar projects, and cities across the globe are also choosing solar to power public spaces.
From beach shores to entire airports, these are some of the most famous public solar projects.
Cochin International Airport – India
Not only is Cochin International Airport the seventh busiest airport in India, but it also is the first airport in the world to run entirely off solar power. Its solar farm also puts energy back into the electrical grid. Located near one of the airport’s terminals, the project took several years to complete, but there’s no doubt it’s finally paying off.
Solar Panel Bike Path – Netherlands
Back in 2014, the Netherlands unveiled its solar-powered bike path, forever changing the way countries looked at solar projects. Initially, the project was an initiative to promote green energy in the city of Krommenie, north of Amsterdam. Over 300,000 cyclists rode on the path in its first year, and it produced nearly 10,000 kilowatt-hours in that time as well, which is about the amount of energy needed to power a U.S. home for an entire year. Not bad for an array that’s ridden on and therefore shaded by cyclists! Thanks to this project, countries such as France started looking at building solar-powered roads.
Kennedy Space Center – United States
In Florida, there is a new solar project called “solar trees.” These look like modern trees that can be installed in many places. A pilot installation is at the Kennedy Space Center. Five solar trees, besides other solar projects, keep the space center powered. Every year, more than 1.5 million people visit the site, and hopefully one day it can run on solar energy 24/7.
Solar Palm Trees – Dubai
As part of their “smart city” initiative, Dubai introduced solar palm trees to provide much-needed shade, complimentary Wi-Fi and other services to its visitors. Each solar palm tree is equipped with specially-designed solar panels to make them run entirely off-grid and provide visitors with a Wi-Fi hotspot, charging stations, and city information through its smart screens. Not to mention, a lounge-like seating area to enjoy some much-needed shade by the beach. The solar palm tree project can be seen all over Dubai’s beach shores and along popular areas for tourists. Another clever and beautiful way to use solar projects to power public spaces.
The Vatican – Vatican City
Thanks to a solar project that included over 2,000 solar panels installed more than a decade ago, The Vatican is a leading example of how solar energy can change the face of an entire nation.
From these famous solar projects, there is no doubt solar energy might be the solution to power public spaces. Countries are making the switch to cleaner energies, one solar panel at a time.
