Welcome to SolUp, future innovators! As we look back on the early days of SolUp it is incredible to see how far we’ve come. Back then, the world was in the grip of a climate crisis—greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, mainly from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, were pushing our planet toward dangerous levels of global warming. But we saw an opportunity. And in 2024, SolUp was born with a bold vision: the Solar Megastructure! Solar energy is a clean renewable energy that can replace nonrenewable energy sources like coal and gas. Additionally, many nonrenewable energy sources waste the amount of usable energy by releasing heat. As many countries turn to solar energy production, it is important to look at the numbers. How much solar energy will we need if we continue down this path?
According to the World Economic Forum, this goal of 200 billion megawatt hours per year by 2050 is achievable if we continue at the current growth rate of 20% per year. China houses some of the biggest solar farms in the world and has more solar energy capacity than any other country. Many of the solar panels are located in the West, where only 6% of China’s population lives. As a result, many solar panel farms are far away from where they are needed (in the city) resulting in a loss of energy.
According to the World Economic Forum, this goal of 200 billion megawatt hours per year by 2050 is achievable if we continue at the current growth rate of 20% per year. China houses some of the biggest solar farms in the world and has more solar energy capacity than any other country. Many of the solar panels are located in the West, where only 6% of China’s population lives. As a result, many solar panel farms are far away from where they are needed (in the city) resulting in a loss of energy.
New York City is the most densely populated city in the United States of America.
Population: 8,089,689
Area: 302.6 square miles
Population: 8,089,689
Area: 302.6 square miles
If solar energy is to be a viable renewable energy source for the world of tomorrow, one of the important factors to consider is space. Is there enough room? New York City is the perfect location to test this question. If the city with the most people in the least amount of space could be powered by solar, the potential for other cities is limitless.
3,293,756,460 sq ft or 107 square miles is the amount of solar power needed to power all of New York City (60 billion kWh per year). In other words, all of New York City could currently be powered using only about 38% of New York City’s land area for solar panels.
At SolUp, we have a bold vision: to power all of New York with clean, renewable solar energy! Covering Manhattan in solar panels is just the beginning—a massive first step toward a future where every corner of the city draws its energy from the sun. By creating a sprawling solar megastructure over Manhattan, we’re laying the foundation for a citywide transformation that will bring solar power to every borough. Our goal? A New York that runs entirely on solar energy, paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow! With over 640 total column members the weight for the steel structure would be estimated around 4,190,536 pounds.
The solar megastructure will create plenty of shade over Manhattan, but don't worry—SolUp has you covered! We’ll be rolling out a range of state-of-the-art lighting solutions to ensure the city stays bright and vibrant, no matter how much shade the structure provides. From innovative street lighting to ambient lights in public spaces, we’re making sure New York shines day and night, keeping the city illuminated and full of energy!
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