Dragon-Shaped Solar Stadium in Taiwan is 100% Powered by the Sun

Taiwan has completed construction on an incredible <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/05/12/transportation-tuesday-arizona-startup-unveils-solar-bullet-train/">solar-powered</a> stadium that will generate 100% of its electricity from photovoltaic technology! Designed by <a href="http://www.toyo-ito.com/">Toyo Ito</a>, the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/03/10/giant-pharmaceuticals-campus-by-morphosis/">dragon-shaped</a> 50,000 seat arena is clad in 8,844 solar panels that illuminate the track and field with 3,300 lux.

<a href="http://www.toyo-ito.com/">Toyo Ito</a>'s design negates this energy drain with a stunning 14,155 sq meter solar roof that is able to provide enough energy to power the stadium’s 3,300 lights and two jumbo vision screens.

Building a new <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/30/herzog-and-de-meurons-portsmouth-stadium/">stadium</a> is always a massive undertaking that requires millions of dollars, substantial physical labor, and a vast amount of electricity to keep it operating.

To illustrate the incredible power of this system, officials ran a test and found that it took just six minutes to power up the stadium's entire lighting system!

The stadium also integrates additional green features such as <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/05/18/skate-parks-jump-the-gap-to-green-design/">permeable paving</a> and the extensive use of reusable, <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/01/28/arabian-library-by-richard-and-bauer/">domestically made</a> materials.

Built upon a clear area of approximately 19 hectares, nearly 7 hectares has been reserved for the development of integrated public green spaces, bike paths, sports parks, and an ecological pond. Additionally, all of the plants occupying the area before construction were transplanted.

Non-sports fans in the community have a lot to jump up and down for as well. Not only does the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/01/14/solar-ark-worlds-most-stunning-solar-building/">solar</a> system provide electricity during the games, but the surplus energy will also be sold during the non-game period.