SOLAR ARK

This phenomenally remarkable building, undoubtedly one of the most unusual in the world, was discovered by NewEnergyNews at Solar Power 2007, the recent solar energy conclave.

The Solar Ark: A Unique Solar Building In Japan
and
Solar Energy – the gift of the Sun to the Earth
and
What would Noah have thought?
William Hirshman, June 2002 (Photon International)

WHO
Sanyo



WHAT
Solar Ark, built by Sanyo, is a remarkably unique building housing a solar library, a “Solar Lab” and a variety of clean energy systems to make electricity generation, lighting and water supply “meta-efficient.”

WHEN
Opened in 2002.



WHERE
Gifu Prefecture, Japan, on the Tokaido-Shinkansen Bullet Train Line and the Meishin Expressway between Osaka and Nagoya.

WHY
- The Solar Ark was built to symbolize Sanyo’s goal of achieving a “clean energy society.”
- The building houses a solar energy library and museum as well as demonstration labs for research and public education.
- 1033 feet long, weighs 3000 tons, supported by only 4 columns; 2 waterfalls, 2 ponds and fountains
- Solar energy output: 630 kilowatts, 530,000 kilowatt-hours/year
77,200 red, green and blue computer-controlled LEDs create visual and text displays
- SANYO Aqua Clean water system electrolyzes water to produce hypochlorous acid which cleans the water constantly and prevents bacteria



QUOTES
Hirshman: “…the Solar Ark has to be admired as one of the most impressive BIPV structures in existence today, probably doing a better job of promoting solar than any previous PV installation…”