Solar Communications

The photovoltaic tower can be affixed to existing cell phone towers to produce on-site electricity to power broadcasting equipment. (Courtesy MDAA)
On the occasion of the 2009 G8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy, architecture firm MDAA (Massimo d’Alessandro & Associati) of Rome designed a photovoltaic tower to power an existing cellular communications aerial. The installation brought to life an idea that has been paddled about quite a bit in recent years: equipping our existing infrastructure with energy-producing technology. After the G8 tower was erected, MDAA designed a more efficient version for Vodafone (the largest mobile network operator in the world). The new tower raises the design quality, lowers the use of materials, and is capable of producing 15KWp, enough to run broadcasting equipment. Check out that design, as well as more on the G8 tower, after the jump.

MDAA's Vodafone tower can be erected around existing cell phone towers, or can support aerials on its own. (Courtesy MDAA)

The structure, which can stand as much as 115 feet tall, is extremely lightweight and sits on a tiny footprint. (Courtesy MDAA)

An up-skirt shot of the g8 tower. (Courtesy MDAA)
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This is an exquisite project, a beautiful punctuation in the landscape. Impressive in it’s attention to detail, the inventive form delights, while asserting its function. Bravo!
Like a desert flower rising from the desert with petals envisioned by Bucky Fuller. Efficient, can withstand high wind and is self sufficient. Elegant solution. What wine should we toast this design with?
i still want to study this knowledge.
i find this ,very happy.
thanks.i like it.and you
please.