Marine Solar Park built as a landmark in Changwon, Korea

The Marine Solar Park was first constructed by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy as the world's tallest solar tower, which was built as the nation's landmark in 2006. The solar park is composed of two sections: the exhibition floor and the solar panel tower that is constructed above it. The solar tower stands firm in 136 meters high and the entire floor space is 6,336 square meters across a spacious lot of 14,977 square meters. With a shape of a sailing ship, the solar tower can generate 1,264 kW a day with a capacity of 600 kW/h, equivalent to the total energy consumption of 200 households. The four story exhibition floor will accommodate a 644 square meter conference room that can seat 500 people at a time. In the near future, the Marine Solar Park will not only be a tourist attraction but a learning site to steer many towards a cleaner environment with sustainable renewable energy and a business center for companies.

Marine Solar park constructed on top of Eumjido in Jinhae-gu

Outside view inside the exhibition floor

France Works on a Solar-Powered Stadium

      France has recently been claimed to embark upon a landmark renewable energy project concerning the construction officially commencing on a solar-powered stadium in the southwestern city of Bordeaux. The Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, situated on the banks of the Garonne River in the Bordeaux Lac region, is a large-scale sports facility with a designated audience capacity of up to 42,000 spectators.
      While large-scale football stadiums do not have any spectacular image to them, the Bordeaux project is predicted to break new ground in Europe by deriving much of its power from solar photovoltaic installations. The stadium's car park is said to feature an extensive solar photovoltaic panel structure, which fulfills the dual function of shielding vehicles from the elements (such as sunlight, precipitation, wind, etc.) and to supply electricity to the entire stadium. In addition to such innovative renewable energy capabilities, the stadium is also set to be a landmark architectural work, which will help make a pivotal contribution to the aesthetic character of the city.
      The Swiss firm enlisted to work on this project, Herzog & de Meuron, is also responsible for a variety of architectural projects, including Beijing's "bird's nest" National Stadium, which was one of the defining emblems of the 2008 Olympics. However, the Bordeaux, France stadium is expected to be completed in 2015 and will serve as a host for one of the 2016 European Football Championship matches held by the Union of European Football Association.

Solar-Powered Sports Stadium in Bordeaux, France

Lancaster, California Requires Solar Panels on Homes by 2014!

        In a recent announcement made by Mayor Rex Parris, there is a requirement that states solar power systems are to be implemented within every newly built single-family houses within the city by January 1, 2014. These recent stated requirements will be written into Lancaster's "Residential Zones Update." It specifically states as followed: "The purpose of the solar energy system standards is to encourage investment in solar energy on all parcels in the city, while providing guidelines for the installation of those systems that are consistent with the architectural and building standards of the City."
         With these requirements in place, residential homes on lots larger than 7,000 square feet will need to possess a system of 1.0-1.5 kilowatts. If there are residential homes in rural areas which holds lots up to 100,000 square feet, they are required to possess a system of at least 1.5 kilowatts. Homebuilders, though, have an alternative in forgoing these requirements by providing proof of purchase of solar energy credits from a solar energy development located within the city.

Mayor Rex Parris is shown, speaking at an event in Lancaster to celebrate the 100th solar-powered home.

          Mayor Rex Parris may be a Republican but he is an extreme solar power advocate for he strongly supports his intentions to make Lancaster, California "the solar energy capital of the world." In the year 2010, Lancaster has had a partnership with SolarCity to launch a successful solar financing program for nonprofit organizations, businesses and residential areas. It is known as "Solar Lancaster" and this 1.45-megawatt program extends towards helping solar finance the city hall, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Clear Channel Stadium, churches, schools, and other areas. Solar Lancaster is expected to generate $1.5 million annually through 2017 and then $800,000 per year for the next 20 years. In addition, Lancaster is scaled with many solar production plants, including the infamous eSolar's Sierra Sun Tower.

eSolar's Sierra Sun Tower