Solar Ark

The Solar Ark
The Solar Ark inside Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Gifu Plant
Map
Established1 April 2002
Location180 Ohmori, Anpachi, Gifu, 503-0195 Japan
TypeScience museum
Public transit accessJR Gifu-Hashima Station
WebsiteSolar Ark

The Solar Ark (ソーラーアーク) is a Japanese ark-shaped solar photovoltaic power generation facility which offers activities to cultivate a better appreciation of solar power generation, and thereby benefitting both ecology and science.[1][2] This 315-meter-wide, 37-meter-tall facility is located in Anpachi, Gifu Prefecture,[3] in the geographical center of Japan, and can be seen from the JR Tōkaidō bullet train, which runs past on an adjacent railway. It has over 5000 panels that produce approximately 530,000 kilowatt-hours on an annual basis and a maximum system power of 630 kilowatts.

Stationed at the center of the Solar Ark is the Solar Lab, a museum of solar energy. A hands-on, outdoor light exhibition was planned for opening in 2005. The Solar Ark was an enterprise partner with the 2005 World Exhibition, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the largest solar buildings in the world.

  1. ^ "Large-Scale Solar Power Generation Facility 'Solar Ark'". Panasonic Corporation of North America. Archived from the original on May 18, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  2. ^ Kriscenski, Ali (January 14, 2008). "SOLAR ARK: World's Most Stunning Solar Building". Inhabitat. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  3. ^ 見どころ>お立ち寄りスポット (in Japanese). Anpachi official website. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2011.