| FACTS Large-Scale Solar Power Generation Facility
The design of the Solar Ark was inspired by the vision of an ark embarking onto a journey toward the 21st Century. Only four columns are used to support the entire structure, thus giving the impression of floating in the air. 
Structure
| Overall length | 315m | | Height | 31.6 m (center) - 37.1 m (both ends) | | Width | 4.3 m (top) - 13.7 m (bottom) | | Weight | 3,000 tons |
Solar Power Generator
| Number of solar battery panels installed | 5, 046 | | Maximum system power | 630 kW | | Annual electrical output | Approx. 530,000 kWh | | Petroleum energy equivalent | Approx. 128,610 Litres (33,975 US gallons) | | CO2 reduction | 95 t-C/year | 
LED Presentation System  The facade of the Solar Ark is a huge illuminated presentation panel. With over 77,200 red, green and blue computer-controlled LEDs installed the panel can create a variety of visual images. Compared with a conventional illumination system using a neon sign, an LED light panel is capable of creating more detailed images and consumes less energy - only a seventh of the energy used by a neon sign.
- SANYO logo
3.5 m tall (the letter N: 5. 34 m) and 16.5 m wide
39,000 red LED used
- SOLAR ARK
2.4 m tall and 11.7 m wide
17,000 white LED used
- Presentation System
412 lighting units mounted between solar battery panels. Each
unit measures 120 mm in diameter and consists of 51 red, green
and blue LEDs. The entire system is computer-controlled to
create a variety of images and characters.
Water Design  The Solar Ark is surrounded by a water garden, including impressive fountains and two ponds, each with a waterfall. When the wind blows, the reflections from the illuminated Solar Ark dance on the waters, creating a spectacular light show.
- Waterfalls (2)
2.35 m high and 40 m wide each.
Maximum water flow: 9.2 m3/min.
- Ponds (2)
780 m2 and 5-10 cm deep.
Holds 130 tons of water, which also serves as fire hydrant reserve.
- Fountains
Up to 5 m high
Aqua Clean System The water is kept clean with the SANYO Aqua Clean system, a SANYO invention that is used in SANYO detergent-free washing machines. The system electrolyzes the water to produce hypochlorous acid which cleans the water constantly in addition to preventing the growth of Legionella bacteria, a major cause of serious lung diseases.
Rest Rooms under Cascades  Solight is a unique lighting apparatus equipped with a compact motor driven by a small solar cell. It automatically changes its direction as the sun moves, in order to receive the optimum sunlight, which is then used as a natural light source.
- The rest rooms are located in the windowless space under the west cascade, which is lit by the Solights installed in the pool above.
Location
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Gifu Plant
180 Ohmori, Anpachi-cho, Anpachi-gun, Gifu 
Links SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
This is the SANYO Group Home Page. "Solar Power Laboratory" is a must see site to learn about the sun in a fun way!
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Soft Energy Company
We develop, manufacture, and distribute various "Earth friendly clean energy products," including solar batteries.
SANYO Solar Energy Systems Co., Ltd.
Please see the information on our household use solar panels.
Science and Technology Museum
They offered significant support in the planning, building, and starting up of the Solar Energy Museum. This is a museum planned and operated by the Japan Science Foundation.
Kajima Corporation (the constructor of Solar Ark, Solar Lab, and the surrounding area)
Kajima Corporation Home Page, the people with the vision and technological ability to bring to reality a dream-like structure as Solar Ark! | 
