
While the Solar Trade Association has been energetically promoting sun power to celebrate its ‘Solar Independence Day’ on social media, it looks like it’s been put in the shade by a cunning Oriental plan.
Renewable energy developers are planning to build the Panda Power Plant in Datong, China from solar energy panels, shaped and shaded to look like the eponymous bamboo-eating bear when seen from the air.
The black parts of the panda, such as the ears and arms, will be comprised of monocrystalline silicone solar cells, with the grey and white tummy and face composed of thin film solar cells.
When completed, the 100 MW Panda Power Plant will generate 3.2 billion kilowatt-hours of green power over 25 years, according to the company, saving more than one million tons of coal.
Hong Kong-based Panda Green Energy also builds and operates hydro, wind, and solar plants in Japan, Fiji, the Philippines, and Tibet.