A truly cool opera with sunglasses

Although Norwegians are not exactly spoiled by having too much sun, they are in the forefront when it comes to solar energy research. Why? The keyword is the element silicon.

The silicon disks used in solar panels are ultra-thin slices of crystallised silicon. Norway has long traditions of mining silicon, and there are abundant amounts of the element in the mountains of Norway.

Environment-friendly opera

The environment was a prime consideration when the plans were drawn up for the new opera building in Oslo. Accordingly, the entire south wall of the building is covered by an enormous panel of solar cells. When the sun shines on the opera, the panels turn the sunbeams into electricity. This electricity is used to heat large parts of the building. By the same token, the solar panels work like enormous sunglasses, keeping the opera from turning into a hothouse on warm summer days.

Published in 'Nysgjerrigper' no. 3/08

Translated by Linda Sivesind