# Solar-Powered Vatican Holy City Installs Rooftop PV Panels By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-11-29 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-powered-religion-worlds-smallest-nation-covered-in-sun-panels References: [telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/renewableenergy/3527161/Vatican-installs-huge-solar-panel-energy-system.html) The Holy City has installed 2,400 [photovoltaic solar panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voltage-energy-group) to the top of one of the city's buildings. In doing so, the [Vatican](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vatican-app) will reduce CO2 emissions by 225 tons a year and save 80 tons of oil. The solar panels are not visible from the ground, but the angels in St. Peter's Basilica may have to wear sunglasses to fight off the glare from the panels. **Implications** - The solar panels are located on top of Nervi Hall, which is the place where [the Pope](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popemobile) often talks to larger audiences. The panels were designed by a German company that made sure the panels would be able to hear, light and cool the hall as well as some of the buildings nearby. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Solar Power Integration:** The installation of photovoltaic solar panels on buildings opens up opportunities for integrating solar power into various structures and spaces. - **Energy Efficiency:** The use of solar panels to reduce CO2 emissions and save on energy costs highlights the growing trend towards energy efficiency and sustainability. - **Invisible Solar Solutions:** The development of solar panels that are not visible from the ground presents opportunities for seamlessly integrating renewable energy sources without compromising aesthetic value. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can capitalize on the trend of solar power integration and innovate new ways to make solar technology more accessible and aesthetically pleasing. - **Construction:** The construction industry can leverage the trend of energy efficiency to incorporate sustainable design and renewable energy solutions into building projects. - **Smart Building Technology:** The development of invisible solar solutions presents opportunities for the smart building technology industry to create innovative ways of integrating solar power in buildings while maintaining visual appeal. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vineyard-building.md) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md)