Norway’s national football stadium has the world’s largest vertical solar roof

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🗞️ Driving the news: Norway’s Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo now boasts the world’s largest vertical solar roof, featuring 1,242 bifacial solar panels
• These vertical panels are part of a growing trend in colder climates, where they can outperform traditional solar systems by generating 20% more energy

🔭 The context: Vertical solar panels differ from traditional ones by facing directly north-south to maximize energy production during shorter winter days
• The bifacial design captures sunlight from both sides, and the albedo effect, where snow reflects sunlight, further boosts energy output
• These panels were developed by Norwegian startup Over Easy Solar, with fast installation making them a practical solution for various regions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Vertical solar panels are emerging as a key tool in maximizing renewable energy production, particularly in colder climates
• Their efficiency, combined with lower maintenance needs, makes them a valuable asset in the transition to sustainable energy, helping reduce dependency on fossil fuels

⏭️ What's next: Public venues, such as stadiums and arenas, are increasingly adopting solar technology
• As cities push for lower carbon footprints, vertical solar panels will become part of a broader renewable energy mix across Europe, including applications in agriculture and noise barriers along highways

💬 One quote: “These exceptional cows will then form the foundation of a breeding program, producing low-methane embryos and facilitating large-scale herd expansion,” – Li Xihe, a lead scientist involved in the project

📈 One stat: Ullevaal Stadium’s solar panels are expected to generate 250,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power 71 households for a year

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