Solar Mountain to bring renewable energy to Burning Man

Inspired by the surrounding dunes and highlands on the sands of Fly Ranch, which is also home to dozens of hot and cold springs, dozens of animal species, and more than 100 types of plants, the ambitious concept is being described as interactive land art.

Reportedly moving from the shortlist stage into prototyping, this mountain-like installation remarkably is capable of generating 300,000 kWh of green energy annually.

That means Solar Mountain’s four units of 128 solar panels are able to generate a collective 873kWh per day, which will easily cover all festival requirements and provide power to other activities in the surrounding area. This thing will quite literally be a beacon in the desert.

If the construction is accepted, NUDES claim visitors will be encouraged to come and visit Solar Mountain all year round, though I doubt the outdoor wall climbing activities shown in concept photos will be open to the inebriated at Burning Man.

Whether or not Solar Mountain will win the commission to power Fly Ranch in the Nevada desert remains to be seen, but it’s promising to see bold architecture projects putting sustainability at the forefront of their design regardless.

The construction industry accounts for around 38% of energy related emissions in the US, and the International Energy Agency estimates this total will need cutting by 50% before 2030 if we’re to reach net-zero. Suffice to say, we need a meaningful change of emphasis now.

Without major innovation in the years to come, perhaps the term Burning Man – originally derived from the burning of a symbolic effigy – may just take on a whole new meaning thanks to climate change.