The Solar Wind Plaza
The Solar Wind Plaza is a public art gathering place that makes electricity from the sun and from the wind for the local community. The plaza consists of five large steel sculptures (of different heights) that merge at their tops into banks of solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. At their bases, each of the sculptures are formed into horizontal extensions that visitors can sit on.
At the center of the plaza a large steel elevated ring also used by the visitors for seating, surrounds a smaller circular seat. This circular seat structure supports a tall steel tube onto which is mounted a large vertical axis wind turbine. The wind turbine also makes electricity from the wind and along with the solar cells, send the electricity into the local power grid. Both the sculptures and the wind turbine are mounted onto a large circular concrete pad.
The Solar Wind Plaza is part of a series of public art projects designed to celebrate positive public gatherings, as well as the integration of alternative energy into the built environment.
The ideal location for the Solar Wind Plaza is in a public park, however it can also be installed in nearly any public place that has access to the local power grid.
Status: Built
