Solar 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. This 315-meter-wide, 37-meter-tall facility is located in Anpachi, Gifu Prefecture, 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.
The Solar Ark inside Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Gifu Plant | |
| Established | 1 April 2002 |
|---|---|
| Location | 180 Ohmori, Anpachi, Gifu, 503-0195 Japan |
| Type | Science museum |
| Public transit access | JR Gifu-Hashima Station |
| Website | Solar Ark |
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.