The Holy City has installed 2,000 photovoltaic solar panels to the top of one of the city/state’s buildings. In doing so, the Vatican will reduce CO2 emissions by 225 tons a year and save 80 tons of oil.
The solar panels are not visible from the ground, but the angels in St. Peter’s Basilica may have to wear sunglasses to fight off the glare from the panels.
The solar energy system covers the massive roof of the “Nervi Hall”, where Pope Benedict XVI holds general audiences. The 2,400 panels, designed by a Germany company, will heat, light and cool the hall and several surrounding buildings, producing 300 kilowatt hours (MWh) of clean energy a year. The hall, built in 1971 and one of the Vatican’s newest buildings, has a sweeping, wave-shaped roof which made the project feasible. (via telegraph)
