Whether you believe in global warming or natural variation, you will probably agree that less pollution is a good thing. The problem with energy efficient solutions such as wind turbines, hydrogen fuel cells and solar panels is that they tend to be less capable and discouragingly more expensive than their predecessors. However the recent boom in green and sustainable products – fueled by like minded consumers and prognostic manufacturers – demonstrates a positive change towards environmentalism. A decade ago, few people would have believed in the viability of the 100 mile diet, or homes made of recycled shipping containers, or Sanyo’s Solar Ark.
And the sustainability gods said “you shall bring two of every living sort into the ark to keep them alive with you.” Sanyo’s Solar Ark is not going to save us from a flood, nor is it the answer to global warming. Yet it is a step in the right direction, as it demonstrates humankind’s progressive technological ability, and ecological commitment. This 315m-wide, 37m-tall ark-shaped, solar photovoltaic power generation facility is located in Gifu Prefecture of Japan.
The design of the Solar Ark was inspired by the vision of an ark embarking on a journey toward the 21st Century. Only four columns are used to support the entire structure, thus giving the impression that it’s floating on air. It’s 5046 solar panels can produce 500,000 KWh of energy annually, which amounts to a savings of 128,610 litres of petroleum. Surrounded by and reflecting it’s natural surroundings, the Solar Ark is a sure sign of things to come.