Solar Panel Kits and more...

Solar power art, like these solar panel pyramids forming the “Lunar Cubit” in Abu Dhabi, is a popular way to combine urban art with renewable energy.  Some commentators even believe that these displays can raise awareness of and encourage deployment of other solar power projects.

Lunar Cubit generates clean solar electricity through beautiful urban art

As part of the project, “Renewable Energy Can be Beautiful,” the Lunar Cubit was developed as a pyramid shaped solar complex with the ability to generate enough solar electricity to power thousands of residences.  Designers entering the Land Art Generator Initiative contest must submit concepts that combine art and renewable energy.  According to the website:

The main goal of the Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) is to design and construct public art installations that have the added benefit of large scale clean energy generation. Each sculpture will continuously distribute clean energy into the electrical grid, with each having the potential to provide power to thousands of homes.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Lunar Cubit was the winner of the Land Art Generator Initiative in 2011.

Eight solar panel pyramids enclose a central  pyramid in a semi circle. Solar power generated by the Lunar Cubit can produce enough energy for 250 homes.  Estimates are that the Lunar Cubit could recoup the cost of its construction within 5 years.

So why is it called the Lunar Cubit?  Because the solar panel pyramids act as a lunar calendar.  The central pyramid lights up in increments, based on the current phase of the moon.  This artistic element of the solar power plant illustrates moon phases, while the smaller pyramids representing the hands of a clock for the eight phases of the lunar calendar.

Perhaps even more fascinating is the fact that the solar power pyramids were carefully designed to follow ancient moon phase measurements, and is proportionate with the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Giza.