Fans of solar power might be interested to know that there’s a growing list of famous landmarks now using the sun for at least part of their power needs.
They range from medieval castles, to wonder-of-the-world icons, to cities-of-the-future. All seem worthy of a solar enthusiast’s bucket list.
1. The Vatican, Vatican City
Pope Francis has been an outspoken supporter of clean energy. But it was actually his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who took the Vatican solar. In 2008, he oversaw installation of a 2,000-panel array on the roof of a large auditorium next to St. Peter’s Basilica. It produces 300,000 kWh per year.
2. The White House, Washington, D.C.
The home to every U.S. President since John Adams is actually on its second go-round with rooftop solar. President Carter installed a system in 1979, during the energy crisis, only to see it removed a few years later. A new (hopefully permanent) system was installed in 2013. It’s estimated to produce more than 19,000 kWh per year.
3. Eiffel Tower, Paris
It seems fitting that the most iconic landmark in the “City of Light” has gone solar. In 2015, as part of a clean energy initiative that also included installation of wind turbines and rainwater collectors, solar panels were added to Paris’ most famous landmark. The panels provide for about half of the Eiffel Tower’s hot water needs.
4. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
At 829 meters, the Burj Khalifa is currently the world’s tallest building. It uses a 378-panel array to heat 140,000 liters of water daily for its residents. With plenty of sun in the desert, the system saves 690,000 kWh per year.
5. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
It was built as a mausoleum in the 17th century and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 20th. Now, the Taj Mahal is staying in step with the new millennium by getting electricity from a nearby solar plant. The plant is part of a broader renewable energy plan by the Indian city of Agra. The city aims to get about 10 percent of its power from clean sources by 2018.
6. Alcatraz, San Francisco, Calif.
“The Rock” has housed some of America’s most infamous criminals. Now it’s home to an array of 1,300 solar panels, producing about 400,000 kWh per year. Installed in 2012, the panels are part of an effort by the National Park Service to bring renewable energy to parks and landmarks.
7. Clarence House, London
Prince Charles himself applied to Westminster City Council for a permit to place solar panels on his 180-year-old London residence. Installed in 2011, the 30-panel array generates an estimated 4,000 kWh per year.
8. AT&T Park, San Francisco, Calif.
Several pro sports arenas have integrated renewable energy. San Francisco’s pro baseball stadium was the first to go solar, though. Operational since 2007, the 590-panel array at AT&T Park generates 120 kW of renewable energy. All of it is returned to the grid for use by homes and businesses in the Bay area.
9. Chirk Castle, Wales
Built in the late 13th century, Chirk Castle was a strategic fortress for King Edward I. It’s age and history, however, have not prevented it from keeping up with the times. In 2009, the UK National Trust oversaw the installation of a solar array. It’s used to provide hot water to the castle’s residents, and saves 8,000 kWh per year.
10. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi
Built from scratch in the desert, Masdar City was designed as a zero-carbon showcase of renewable energy—on a citywide scale. It hosts the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency and is a hub for many clean tech companies. The city is powered by a massive 87,780-panel array that produces 17,564,000 kWh per year. The array is supplemented by rooftop solar throughout the city.
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