Visitors to the Floriade, the world horticultural exhibition, cannot fail to notice the world’s largest rooftop integrated PV system.

A huge glass canopy measuring 100 by 278 metres dominates the valley close to the main entrance of the Floriade 2002 exhibition. Work on the exhibition commenced in 1996, but it was not until 1999 – when the giant steel frame was already built - that the Dutch utility Nuon had the idea to incorporate PV. 19 380 semitransparent laminates derived from the standard Shell Solar (Siemens) SP140 module now cover the entire roof area, providing a generation capacity of 2,3 MW. This is sufficient to meet all the park’s energy needs during the Floriade.

The laminates provide a dappledshade area beneath the canopy, which will accommodate a variety of exhibits that require a sheltered and climate-controlled environment, including a display of evergreen conifers 6 - 7 m tall. The event itself only lasts for six months, but the green power plant will remain well beyond then.

Floriade is held once every ten years. The 2002 event runs from 16th April until 20th October 2002 in Haarlemmermeer, the Netherlands.

Information:

• Nuon Renewable Energy
  Fax: +31 (26) 844 2186

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